Arts Council England: What grant should I choose?

Are you a theatre artist or company looking to apply for and secure your next (or first!) Arts Council Grant? Look no further! Below is an outline of the two main strands that you can apply for: National Lottery Project Grants (NLPG) and Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP).

DYCP Applications

Timeline (Round 22)

Applications Open: Thursday 14th November 2024

Applications Close: Thursday 12th December 2024

Outcome Date: Thursday 7th March 2025 (i.e. the project must start after this date)

Timeline (Round 23)

Applications Open: TBC

Applications Close: TBC

Outcome Date: TBC

Key Features

Applying: If you apply twice unsuccessfully or once successfully, you have to wait for at least 2 years before you can apply again.

Amount: Maximum you can apply for is £12,000 (not including access costs)

Income: You do not need to earn income for this grant

Project Timeline: The project must last no longer than 1 year

Some examples of things you can apply for are:

• building new networks for future development or to present your work in the future

• creating new work

• experimenting with new collaborators or partners

• international travel to explore other practice or work with mentors

• professional development activities, such as training

• research and development time to explore your practice and take risks

• practical steps to support your work to be more sustainable in future

Additional: In lots of resources, Arts Council England says: "We’re more interested in supporting extended periods of development which give you the time to really explore and work in new ways"… Good to bare in mind when thinking about what you want to do.

NLPG Applications

Key Features

Applying: You can apply at anytime throughout the year

Amount: You can apply for £30K and under, 30K or over, over 100K or against ‘time limited priorities such as unlocking collections or supporting grassroots music. Most applications are £30K and under, especially those applying to develop a show, run workshops, host events.

Income: You are required to match fund this project. This can be with earned income, private income, support in-kind, other funding. You should have at least 10% from other sources.

Project Timeline: The Project can last for 3 years.