Making space for the arts

Making space for the arts

In this programme, we are seeking applications that aim to strengthen the skill base and diversity of artistic practice in public spaces. You can find out more in this programme brief.

Applications are currently closed. We will re-open on 2 September 2025. You can sign up for application alerts at the bottom of this page.

Holly Prest (CF 2004) explored community music projects in Brazil. Download 'Holly Prest arts programme'

Who should apply?

Across any artform, we invite applicants to explore how we can better design, create, and deliver large-scale public acts of imagination and expression, with and for communities across the UK.

From our city streets to our public buildings, our coastline to our countryside, we welcome projects that aim to facilitate and widen artistic participation beyond our cultural institutions and create moments of community connection and cohesion through artistic activity

We welcome applications from:

  • Artistic and creative practitioners of all kinds, across any art form, who have an interest in working with communities
  • Producers, promoters, public designers, and people with responsibilities for managing public spaces

We will prioritise applications that adopt inclusive, participatory, and community-led approaches.

Please note: We look for a public benefit in all of our Fellowships. Any application identifying itself as an arts project should demonstrate how it will have a public benefit wider than advancing the applicant’s personal artistic practice.

Learn more about this programme

In the video below, Nick Danziger and Kate Organ, who led on the development of the programme, share why we’re launching Making Space for the Arts and who it’s for.

You can also read our blog to discover more about the thinking behind the programme.

In order to watch this video you will need to accept marketing cookies.
Holly Prest (CF 2004) explored community music projects in Brazil. Download 'Holly Prest arts programme'

Who should apply?

Across any artform, we invite applicants to explore how we can better design, create, and deliver large-scale public acts of imagination and expression, with and for communities across the UK.

From our city streets to our public buildings, our coastline to our countryside, we welcome projects that aim to facilitate and widen artistic participation beyond our cultural institutions and create moments of community connection and cohesion through artistic activity

We welcome applications from:

  • Artistic and creative practitioners of all kinds, across any art form, who have an interest in working with communities
  • Producers, promoters, public designers, and people with responsibilities for managing public spaces

We will prioritise applications that adopt inclusive, participatory, and community-led approaches.

Please note: We look for a public benefit in all of our Fellowships. Any application identifying itself as an arts project should demonstrate how it will have a public benefit wider than advancing the applicant’s personal artistic practice.

Learn more about this programme

In the video below, Nick Danziger and Kate Organ, who led on the development of the programme, share why we’re launching Making Space for the Arts and who it’s for.

You can also read our blog to discover more about the thinking behind the programme.

In order to watch this video you will need to accept marketing cookies.
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