A target of £1 million has been reached for a city arts initiative.

Brighton and Hove Arts Commission, set up during the city's bid to become a Capital of Culture in 2002, has completed its drive to top up a £750,000 National Lottery grant for a public art programme.

The grant, from the Government's Urban Cultural Fund, was announced late last year.

A fund-raising drive to bring the total up to £1 million kicked off in April, aiming to reach the target by the end of the year.

The campaign was so successful that the commission has hit the £1 million mark already, with large donations from six main partners and smaller contributions from others, including many local businesses.

Brighton Marina, City College, Corona Beer, EDF Energy, NCP and Southern have pledged £25,000.

Support also came from charitable trusts Arts and Business and The Links Foundation, Chichester Diocesan Housing Association, The Tin Drum pub chain and Zelgrain, which runs a string of pubs in Brighton and Hove.

The money will be spent this year and next, with £300,000 going on new events and shows, £150,000 on public art, £130,000 on a series of environmental arts projects, £125,000 on arts and health and celebrating age initiatives, £90,000 on grassroots projects supporting artists working in the city, £65,000 on lighting projects and £45,000 in schools.

For more information visit www.brightonandhoveartscommission.org.uk Friday, August 12 2005