The National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies (The Arts Society) provides a small grants programme for projects by UK registered charities that meet one or more of the following priorities:
1. The Arts: projects that support a wide range of activities to introduce people of all ages, especially young people, to engage them in artistic experience and practise, including:
o Artists in residence.
o Art lectures for students.
o Arts Week events.
o Equipment purchases.
o Exhibitions for young artists.
o Practical workshops.
o Sponsorships for craft apprentices, and/or
o Visits to art galleries and museums.
2. Skills Development: projects that further the development and training of skills in the arts, crafts and heritage.
3. Regional Museums, Galleries, and Arts Organisations: projects that support regional and local museums and galleries, such as special projects, displays, internship or part-time costs, or training and conservation activities. Funding for regional and local theatres and performing arts spaces and groups will also be considered.
Grants of up to £3,000 are available to UK registered charities with an annual income of less than £3 million. Matched funding, including in-kind contributions, are welcomed.
Priority will be given to proposals that provide access to the arts to sectors of the community that may otherwise be excluded or find it difficult to engage with arts activities.
During the year ended 31st December 2022, the Society noted a shift in the focus of applicants - both internally from societies and externally from charities - away from 'traditional' arts activities towards arts and heritage projects that benefit local communities by building greater social cohesion and promoting well-being through creativity. Grants were awarded to arts projects that, for example, supported Ukrainian refugees, young carers and people who experience isolation.
Funding is not available for:
o Capital expenditure on buildings, machinery or equipment.
o Core costs.
o Individuals.
o Operational costs, including staff costs.
o Organisations that are not registered charities.
o Projects that have already started or are completed, or
o Schools, including parent-teacher associations and friends of associations.
There is a 2-stage application process, as follows:
1. Stage 1: applicants are required to register their organisation with The Arts Society through an online portal on the Arts Society website.
2. Stage 2: applicants will then be provided with access to the online application form.
Further information and guidance is available on the Arts Society website.
The deadline for applications is 23:59 on Saturday 30th September 2023.
