Arts Council England (ACE) has issued revised guidelines and application packs for

their Grants for the Arts programme.

This funding scheme uses Lottery money and is open to both individuals and organisations working in England.

Who can apply?

Grants are available for individuals, arts organisations and other people who use the

arts in their work. They are for activities carried out over a set period and which:

• Engage people in England in arts activities; or

• Help artists and arts organisations in England carry out their work.

Generally, your activity must take place mainly in England. (There is an information

sheet covering applications for international work).

Regular-funded clients of ACE can only apply with express permission from their

lead officer.

What can you ask for?

ACE likes to keep Grants for the Arts as flexible as possible. Essentially the money

needs to be spent on the direct costs (revenue/capital) of time-limited activities

whether these are for direct arts provision or capacity building to enable you better to

offer direct provision.

Grants for work associated with the 2012 Olympics and the Cultural Olympiad will be

accepted. However, you need to know that the content of the Cultural Olympiad will

be determined by the London 2012 organisers and not the Arts Council. More details

of the Olympiad will be available nearer the autumn of 2008 and you can keep an eye

on developments at www.london2012.com.

Grants to organisations generally range from £1000 to £100,000 and can last for up to

three years. In very rare cases more might be given for projects of national or major

merit. The average grant tends to be for less than £25,000.

Grants to individuals will range from £1000 to £30,000 and can last for up to three

years. In rare cases you can get more. The average grant in the past has been just less

than £6000.

Further information.

Make sure you have the new application pack. It is available now from

www.artscouncil.org.uk/downloads/gfta2008guide.pdf or by calling 0845 300 6200

(Textphone 020 7973 6564).

ACE also publishes a series of information sheets

• Example Budgets,
• Audience Development
• Marketing,
• Musical Instruments and Second Hand Equipment,

It is also advisable to speak with the relevant staff at your Arts Council regional office

before making the bid. In similar vein, a chat with your local authority would be good

too.

Closing date: Applications will be accepted after 20 May 2008 and will be dealt

with as received. The aim is to take around six weeks to process bids for £5000 or

less, and 12 weeks for all other bids.