Arts Council England (ACE) has revealed the 99 successful applicants that will take part in a new pilot scheme to hand out 618,000 free theatre tickets to young people over the next two years.

The scheme, which is due to be named in early 2009, has been designed to target the 18-26 year olds in a bid to attract new audiences and encourage a new generation of arts attendees. ACE received a total of 116 applications to take part in the initiative, including some from groups and venues that had joined forces to form consortiums.

Grants to the 99 successful bidders were made across three categories, with the top 'Premium' award worth £50,000. Further funding packages worth £30,000 and £10,000 were also made available. A group of 12 London theatres, working in collaboration with Audiences London received 10 awards totalling £300,000, while a consortium of more than 65 arts venues and village halls in Cornwall picked up a £50,000 grant. A further 11 applicants will also receive a Premium award.

Alan Davey, ACE chief executive, said: "Venues around the country have responded to this initiative with energy and imagination. Through their creative commitment, many more young people will experience what theatre can do – inspire, challenge, and help make sense of the world." Funding for the free tickets initiative has been supported by a £2.5m core grant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The scheme will launch on 16 February with a week of special activities at all participating venues.