IMPORTANT NOTICE:

In light of the unprecedented circumstances we have recently found ourselves in, we regret to inform our Societies and External Charities that the Spring 2020 round of grants has been cancelled. We wish to apologise for the disappointment caused, this has been a difficult decision for the Trustee Board to make.

COVID-19 is having an ongoing effect on people and organisations and we hope to restore the grants programme as soon as possible. 

If you have applied in the Spring 2020 round you will be contacted by one of our team.

We will publish any updates regarding grants on our website.

Our thoughts are with you all in these difficult times and we look forward to working with you in the near future.

The Arts Society Grants Committee

Grants are an important aspect of our work and have real impact locally as well as regionally and nationally. Over the last few decades, we have awarded millions of pounds to the arts and heritage – an unparalleled legacy that has transformed neighbourhoods, communities, visitor attractions and people’s lives across the length and breadth of the nation and abroad.

All grants from The Arts Society are intended to give access to the arts to those that wouldn’t normally have access to them. We believe in Arts for All and will use our grants to make a positive contribution to people’s lives through the arts.

FUNDING STRATEGY

We have identified three areas of giving that are in accordance with our charitable objectives and meet specific needs in the arts & heritage sectors.

aRTS PROJECTS

Arts Projects programmes support a wide range of activities to introduce young people to and engage them in artistic experience and practice. They include: artists in residence; art lectures for students; funding visits to art galleries and museums; art exhibitions for young artists; equipment purchases; practical workshops; local Arts Week events; bursaries for individual students; and sponsorship for craft apprentices.

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

This area is about projects and programmes that further the development and training of skills in the arts, crafts and heritage. There are no age limits to this as we believe that people of all ages benefit from acquiring and honing their creative and heritage skills.

rEGIONAL MUSEUMS, GALLERIES & ARTS ORGANISATIONS

The work of regional and local museums and galleries is important in connecting people with their local heritage and arts; yet these institutions often struggle to raise funds for projects and internships during times of budget cuts. Our grants may support special projects, displays, internship or part-time posts, training and conservation activities. We will also consider applications involving regional and local theatres and performing arts spaces and groups.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

• Registered UK Charities with a turnover of £3M or less

• Member societies of The Arts Society

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The proposed project;

• Needs to fulfil the charitable objectives of The Arts Society and be given in The Arts Society name.
• Should make a difference to people’s lives.

• Has to be viable & sustainable.

• Must be well-managed.

• Must be related to the Arts, Crafts, Heritage or Conservation.

• Must have a robust budget.

• Must demonstrate sound financial management.

• Must include publicity for The Arts Society.

• Successful applicants should track progress and report back to The Arts Society.

Grants will not be given for;

• Capital expenditure on buildings, machinery or equipment.

• Operational costs (including staff costs).

• Projects that have already started/ completed.

• Repeat applications (applicants that are successful two years in succession must wait a year before reapplying.)

• We cannot accept applications from individuals.

application dates & deadlines

Header Image: Project Phakama. Courtesy Mile End Community Projects.