Arts Council England - Research Grants Programme open for applications

Arts Council England has launched a new Research Grants Programme, which aims to provide opportunities for the arts sector to engage in collaborative research to explore in depth the impact that arts and culture can have on the cultural, social, educational, economic and health landscape. It is expected that this work will enhance the existing evidence base.

The arts and culture have a wider, more measurable impact on our economy, health and wellbeing, society and education. The funding will support the sector to explore these questions across artforms and regions, building collective knowledge and supporting the development of effective policy.

Following the 2014 publication of ‘The value of arts and culture to people and society – an evidence review’, Arts Council England identified gaps for future research commissions and this is why it is now launching the Research Grants Programme to explore these in depth.

Successful applicants will promote greater collaboration and co-operation between the arts and cultural sector and research partners.

It is expected that findings will be used to demonstrate to Government and local authorities a better understanding of the impact investing in culture has on cultural, social, educational and economic change.

Applications must be a joint collaboration between an arts and/or cultural organisation and a research partner.  The arts and/or cultural organisation must be the lead applicant.

A total of £700,000 is available for 2015-16, with indicative budgets of £900,000 available for 2016-17 and 2017-18.

Grants are available from £50,000 to £100,000 per year. Organisations can apply for funding for projects that last for up to three years and for up to £100,000 per year of the project.  Minimum match funding is not applicable to this fund however we will look favourably on applications that include other sources of funding, including support in kind.

Applications must be submitted by 5pm on Thursday 12 March and decisions on 27 May 2015.

Find out more about how to apply for our Research Grants Programme

Last modified: Tue, 31 Jul 2018 09:13:19 BST