Grants of up to £2,000 are available to UK registered charities with an annual income of under £3 million for projects across all aspects of the arts and heritage. Applications for projects that provide access to the arts to those that would not normally have such an opportunity are particularly welcomed.
Applications are welcomed for arts projects or programmes that:
- Support a wide range of activities to introduce people of all ages and backgrounds to - and engage them in - artistic experience and practice.
- Further the development and training of skills in the arts, crafts and heritage. This might include bursaries for individual students and sponsorship for craft apprentices
- Place an emphasis on localism and projects and organisations that support the arts and heritage at grass roots level and achieve greater impact for local communities.
The Society states that 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”.
Projects must:
- Make a difference to people's lives.
- Be viable and sustainable.
- Be well managed.
- Be related to the arts, crafts, heritage or conservation of arts and heritage.
- Have a robust budget.
- Demonstrate sound financial management.
- Include publicity for The Arts Society, and
- Be documented, tracked and reported back to The Arts Society.
Please note that an applying organisation’s reserves will be taken into account. The Charity Commission defines reserves as "that part of a charity's income funds that is freely available".
The Society has a 2-stage application process, as follows:
- Stage 1 - applicants a required to register their organisation with The Arts Society through an online portal on the Society’s website.
- Stage 2 - applicants can then access and complete the online application form.
Further information, guidance and details about how to apply can be found on the Society’s website.