Applications open for Create and Engage Fund (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 30-Sep-26

The Arts Council of Wales Create and Engage Fund is inviting applications from individuals and organisations in Wales to support the development, creation, and delivery of high-quality arts projects that engage and connect with the public. The fund supports activities including artistic creation, presentation, programming, touring, and community participation. Funding is available through small and large awards, with grants of up to £10,000 for small projects and up to £60,000 for large projects. In exceptional cases, organisations may be eligible for up to £100,000 by prior agreement.

About the Create and Engage Fund

Launched by the Arts Council of Wales, the Create and Engage Fund aims to support high-quality arts experiences that connect creative individuals and organisations with people and communities across Wales.

The fund is intended to:

- Encourage wider public engagement with the arts. - Support artistic innovation and creativity. - Strengthen connections between artists, organisations, and communities. - Reflect the diversity and vibrancy of Welsh communities and culture. - Support the development and delivery of high-quality arts experiences. The programme recognises different ways in which people can participate in and experience the arts, from attending performances and exhibitions to taking part directly in creative activities. What Projects Can the Fund Support? The fund can support projects involving the development, creation, and delivery of arts work and experiences.

Eligible activities may include:

- Creation of new artistic work. - Presentation of arts work. - Arts programming. - Touring. - Community participation. - Development and delivery of high-quality arts experiences. - Training and professional development for organisations. Projects should demonstrate how they will engage with and benefit the public while contributing to the development of artistic practice in Wales. Arts Council of Wales Priorities Applications should align with the priorities of the Arts Council of Wales.

These include:

- Promoting creativity. - Advancing equalities and engagement. - Supporting the Welsh language. - Inspiring climate justice. - Developing artistic and creative talent. - Strengthening the sustainability of the arts sector. - Building resilience across the arts sector in Wales. Applicants should explain how their proposed project contributes to relevant priorities rather than simply describing the artistic activity. How Much Funding Is Available? The Create and Engage Fund provides funding at different levels depending on the scale and nature of the project.

- Small awards: Up to £10,000.

- Large awards: Up to £60,000.

- Exceptional organisational awards: Up to £100,000 by prior agreement.

The fund can cover up to 90% of total eligible project costs. Applicants must secure at least 10% of total project income from sources other than the Arts Council of Wales or National Lottery funding. This contribution may include support provided in kind. Who Can Apply? The fund is open to both individuals and organisations that meet the eligibility requirements.

Eligible individual applicants include:

- People aged 18 or over. - Individuals living in Wales. - People pursuing an artistic career. - Individuals who are professionally employed in the arts. Organisations may also apply if they are based in Wales or, in certain circumstances, based elsewhere in the UK but can demonstrate that their project will benefit creative practice in Wales.

Eligibility for Organisations

Organisations based in Wales can apply for support for eligible arts projects. Organisations based in other UK nations may also be eligible where they can demonstrate a clear benefit to creative practice in Wales. Applicants should demonstrate the relevance of their project to Welsh artists, communities, audiences, creative practice, or the wider arts sector. Project Requirements Projects must meet several important requirements.

A supported project must:

- Be time-limited. - Involve collaboration with at least one other individual or organisation. - Primarily take place in Wales. - Engage with the public or communities through the proposed arts activity. - Contribute to relevant Arts Council of Wales priorities. Some international activity may also be considered where it can demonstrate clear benefits for Welsh communities. Collaboration Requirement Applicants must collaborate with at least one other individual or organisation. Collaboration may form part of the creative process, project delivery, community participation, or another relevant aspect of the proposed work. Applicants should clearly explain who they will work with and what each collaborator will contribute to the project. Projects Taking Place Outside Wales Projects should primarily take place in Wales. However, some international activity may be considered where it provides meaningful benefits to Welsh communities. Applicants proposing international elements should therefore demonstrate how the activity will contribute to Welsh creative practice, communities, audiences, or cultural engagement. Community Participation and Public Engagement Public engagement is a central element of the Create and Engage Fund.

Projects may engage people through:

- Community arts activities. - Participation in creative processes. - Presentations and performances. - Exhibitions or other arts programming. - Touring. - Other forms of public access and engagement. Applicants should explain who the project is intended to reach and how people will be able to participate in or experience the work. Training and Professional Development For organisations, the fund can also support training and professional development activities. This provides organisations with an opportunity to strengthen the skills and capabilities of their teams while contributing to the sustainability and resilience of the arts sector. Professional development activities should be relevant to the