If you thought that all Arts Council England grants had dried up, think again, Applications are invited for three new Arts Council grant schemes which aim to improve the long-term sustainability, diversity and resilience of the arts and cultural sector. Arts Council England (ACE) have given details of how to apply for its Catalyst Arts: Building fundraising capacity, Transforming arts fundraising and Developing resilient leadership grants programmes. The first two schemes are part of the £100 million Catalyst programme which was launched by DCMS, ACE and the Heritage Lottery Fund last year. “A resilient arts and cultural sector is one that continues to innovate, collaborate and evolve to produce great artistic work, as well as developing sustainable ways of working and to build a world class leadership and workforce.” – ACE Chief Executive Alan Davey said
Arts Council England has been taking steps to strengthen resilience and encourage growth in the arts and cultural sector and to ensure that ambition and innovation is maintained during challenging economic times.
To build on this work, three schemes which aim to continue to improve the long term sustainability, diversity and resilience of the sectors will today (29 October 2012) open to applications. The Catalyst Arts: fundraising capacity and the Transforming arts fundraising commissioned grant are both part of the £100 million Catalyst programme. Another commissioned grant, Developing resilient leadership, is also opening to applications today. Alan Davey, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, said: “A resilient arts and cultural sector is one that continues to innovate, collaborate and evolve to produce great artistic work, as well as developing sustainable ways of working and to build a world class leadership and workforce.
“The Catalyst programme is one way in which the Arts Council has encouraged the sector to thrive, working with a mixed economy of funding, where money from private sources follows public investment and is supported by money that arts organisations earn from other sources.
“The Arts Council’s continuing work to support cultural leaders goes alongside this. We want to help them develop their leadership skills and to work collaboratively, because we believe that a leadership that reflects the kind of society we are, bringing richness and innovation, is equally important to the sector’s long term sustainability.”
Arts Council England recognises that not all arts organisations have dedicated fundraising resources or expertise and many have limited experience. There are common challenges and development needs among many, often the smaller, organisations supporting emerging artists. Applications can be made through the Arts Council website, with guidance and further information.
Transforming arts fundraising Up to £2 million is being made available for the Transforming arts fundraising commissioned grant. Applications can be made through the Arts Council website, with guidance and further information available here. Developing resilient leadership The £1.8 million Developing resilient leadership commissioned grant is also being launched today and the Arts Council is looking for an organisation or a consortium of organisations to deliver the programme.
The Arts Council champions, develops and invests in artistic and cultural experiences that enrich people’s lives. We support a range of activities across the arts, museums and libraries – from theatre to digital art, reading to dance, music to literature, and crafts to collections. Great art and culture inspires us, brings us together and teaches us about ourselves and the world around us. In short, it makes life better. Between 2011 and 2015, we will invest £1.4 billion of public money from government and an estimated £1 billion from the National Lottery to help create these experiences for as many people as possible across the country.