Do you have a research idea? A new creative skill you want to learn? Is your project ready to be funded? Not sure where to start?

This resource is designed to introduce you to Arts Council England (ACE), and to share some useful templates and guides on applying for funding. We have also included further links to similar funding information across the United Kingdom.

Shape Arts is an Arts Council England funded National Portfolio Organisation. This means we receive regular funding from Arts Council England, and are part of a portfolio of supported organisations across England.

In this resource you can find:

1. An introduction to Arts Council England
2. Information on ACE funding for artists
3. Examples of previous successful applications
4. Guidance on access support for applicants
5. Additional resources and templates for ACE applications
6. Information on similar funds across the UK

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What is Arts Council England?

Arts Council England is one of the largest public funds in England that artists can apply to. They distribute public funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (UK government) and The National Lottery. They can fund a wide variety of activities, projects and development, as well as longer-term financial support to organisations.

Individuals, groups and organisations can apply to be funded by Arts Council.  ACE supports the arts, libraries, museums and wider creative sector, with a focus on activities taking place in the UK. They also fund international activity.

ACE's main objective is to create a country where "the creativity of each of us is valued and given the chance to flourish, and where everyone has access to a remarkable range of high-quality cultural experiences".

Explore their strategy  Learn more about ACE

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I'm an artist, how can ACE support me?

Artists can receive funding from ACE to make projects and develop their practice. There are two main funds that creatives can apply to: Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP) and National Lottery Project Grants (NLPG).

The smallest amount you can apply for is £1,000. Depending on the scope of the activity or project, you could apply for up to £600,000. Larger amounts of money are usually for organisations and long term initiatives.

Supported artforms include:

• Performing arts (dance, theatre, music, opera, spoken word)
• Visual arts (painting, sculpture, photography, installation, craft)
• Literature and publishing (writing, poetry, digital storytelling)
• Media and digital arts (film, TV, digital media, games, immersive work)
• Museum, heritage and library projects engaging audiences and collections
• Community-oriented and participatory initiatives

Learn more about each of the main funds:

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Are there examples of previous successful projects and applications?

We recommend checking out The White Pube's funding library, where you can read successful applications from past applicants. Use the filter and search functions to find different applications and disciplines.

This is a public resource created by artists - managed and produced by The White Pube. They continue to accept submissions and update the database.

Check out the funding library

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What is Access Support? Can I apply for support?

Arts Council England provides funding to remove barriers for Deaf, disabled, neurodivergent people or those experiencing health conditions when applying for, and delivering ACE projects. ACE pay for the support directly, with no charge the applicant.

Access Support is open to anyone in the UK applying for Arts Council England funding who experiences or anticipates access barriers.

Support can include:

• Funded Access Support Worker to help complete applications
• Assistance with the Grantium platform
• BSL interpreters for meetings
• Translation of BSL applications into written English
• Coverage of access support costs if project grant is awarded

You will need to request access support before beginning your application. You can do this on the ACE website. They also have a phone number and live chat available.

Explore ACE Access Support

We also made a resource about finding an Access Support Worker. Check out the resource.

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Further links and resources for Arts Council England

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Check out these Shape resources on artist funding

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Similar funding across the United Kingdom

Something missing? Got a question? Contact us using the form on our website.

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