Arts Project Fund – Call 3 (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 11-Sep-2026

The Arts Project Fund Call 3 provides grants to community and voluntary organisations for structured arts-based programmes that combine a series of learning sessions with a final exhibition or performance. The fund is designed to help participants develop their artistic knowledge, skills, and confidence through organised programmes of classes, tutoring, teaching, or instruction. Projects can include activities such as multi-session drama or pottery classes, provided they involve a consistent group of participants and conclude with an exhibition or performance showcasing what they have learned. Funding for this call ranges from £0 to £2,000 per project.

About the Arts Project Fund Call 3

The Arts Project Fund Call 3 supports community and voluntary organisations delivering accessible arts programmes that focus on learning and skill development. Rather than supporting a standalone artistic commission, the fund is intended for structured programmes where participants attend a series of sessions and develop skills over time. A supported project must therefore include: - A series of arts-based classes or learning sessions - A consistent group of participants - Tutoring, teaching, or instruction during each session - Up to 12 sessions in total - A final exhibition or performance Funding Available The funding range for Arts Project Fund Call 3 is: £0 to £2,000 per project Applicants should request an amount appropriate to the scale and requirements of their proposed programme. The funding is intended to support projects that provide participants with opportunities to learn, develop skills, and showcase their achievements. Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants are:

- Community organisations - Voluntary organisations Applicants must operate on a not-for-personal-profit basis. The organisation should also be able to demonstrate that its proposed project meets the fund’s requirements for structured arts learning and a final public-facing exhibition or performance. What Types of Projects Are Supported? The fund supports arts-based programmes involving multiple sessions of learning or instruction.

Examples may include:

- Drama classes delivered over multiple sessions - Pottery classes for a consistent group - Other structured arts programmes involving tutoring or teaching - Arts learning programmes that culminate in an exhibition - Arts learning programmes that culminate in a performance The key requirement is that the project combines learning sessions with a final exhibition or performance. Series of Classes Requirement Projects must include a series of classes rather than a single standalone activity. Each session must involve some form of: - Tutoring - Teaching - Instruction The sessions should be delivered to a consistent group of participants so that participants can build their knowledge and skills throughout the programme. Maximum Number of Sessions Projects can consist of up to 12 sessions. Applicants should structure their programme within this maximum and clearly explain what participants will learn or develop during the sessions. Final Exhibition or Performance A supported project must conclude with an end exhibition or performance. The final event provides participants with an opportunity to showcase the skills and knowledge they have developed during the programme. Applicants should explain how the final exhibition or performance will bring the programme to a meaningful conclusion. Learning and Skill Development Learning is a central element of the Arts Project Fund Call 3. Projects should provide participants with opportunities to develop artistic skills through structured instruction.

Applicants should therefore describe:

- What participants will learn - How sessions will be structured - What skills participants are expected to develop - How teaching or tutoring will be delivered - How the final exhibition or performance will demonstrate participants’ development Consistent Participant Group The programme should involve a consistent group of participants throughout the series of classes. This allows participants to progress through the programme together and build skills progressively before presenting their work through the final exhibition or performance. What Is Not Eligible? Applications solely for commissioning art pieces without a programme of classes are not eligible. The fund is focused on participatory learning and skill development rather than simply funding the creation of an artwork. A proposal should therefore include both the educational programme and the final exhibition or performance. How to Develop a Strong Application Applicants should make it clear that their project meets all the core requirements.

A strong application should explain:

- The organisation and its community role - The proposed arts programme - The artistic discipline involved - The number of sessions - What will be taught during each session - Who will participate - How participants will develop their skills - How tutoring, teaching, or instruction will be delivered - The final exhibition or performance - The expected benefits for participants - The amount of funding requested - How the funding will support delivery of the programme The application should demonstrate a clear progression from learning sessions to the final showcase. Planning the Programme Applicants should plan their programme carefully before applying. A practical programme structure could involve: - Introducing participants to the chosen artistic discipline. - Delivering a series of structured teaching or tutoring sessions. - Allowing participants to practise and develop their skills. - Preparing participants’ work for presentation. - Concluding with an exhibition or performance. The exact structure will depend on the proposed art form and project objectives. Community Benefits The Arts Project Fund Call 3 can help community and voluntary organisations create opportunities for people to learn and participate in th