Grants available to local partnerships to support transformative place-based creative and cultural initiatives across England, outside of London.

The Cultural Development Fund was launched by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to promote economic and social recovery from the impact of COVID-19, and regenerate communities through capital investment in place-based creative and cultural initiatives.

The third round of the fund is set to open next month. It will support places to achieve the following outcomes:  

• Unlock local economic growth and productivity
• Become more attractive places in which to live, work, visit and invest
• Strengthen local leadership, partnerships and capability.

All applications must respond to the first outcome (unlock economic growth and productivity) and at least one other. The strongest applications will provide robust responses to all three outcomes.

The Fund is open to places in England (excluding London) that have a strategic vision for their development and can demonstrate both cultural maturity and commitment to culture-led growth but need investment in physical and/or digital infrastructure or other assets to accelerate and maximise their impact.

It is expected that applications will be from a partnership for the area, led by a local authority, Local Enterprise Partnership, or other appropriate body that would lead a consortium of partners from both the public and private sector, and the voluntary sector where appropriate.

There is a budget of £30.2 million for 2022/23. Grants of a minimum of £2 million and a maximum of £5 million are available.

Applicants can apply for a maximum of £700,000 for supporting resource activity within their total budget.

The Expression of Interest form will open on Arts Council England’s online grant management system, Grantium on 6 June 2022 (9am). The deadline for submitting Expressions of Interest is  29 July 2022 (12pm midday).

 

How To Apply

The Expression of Interest form will open on Arts Council England’s online grant management system, Grantium on 6 June 2022 (9am). The deadline for submitting Expressions of Interest is  29 July 2022 (12pm midday).

Successful applicants will be invited to submit a full application (deadline: 18 November 2022).

For more information, visit the Arts Council England website.