How Do I get Arts Council England’s Developing your Creative Practice fund?
ACE offer what I believe is an incredible grant available to artists, freelancers and creatives based in England. Since receiving the funding myself in 2021, I’ve committed to helping other artists to secure funding for themselves. Compared to other pots of funding, it’s shorter, more accessible and has a lot less reporting, making it achievable for most people working in the creative industries.
In 2 years, I’ve worked 1-2-1 with over 30 creatives to secure funding and my advice sessions helped even more people too.
My 6 tips for applying for the DYCP Fund
1. You don't have to be perfect.
This funding is for you to DEVELOP your practice, and so, they're actively looking to support people to try something new, get better at what they're doing or make creativity sustainable.
This isn't one for the show offs.
2. It covers more than you’d think
Mentoring, workshops, new equipment, travel, making time - all sorts! Set out a training programme that's catered specifically for you.
How many funding pots offer you that kind of opportunity?
3. The biggest barrier is actually submitting it!
So many people intend to apply, but get stumped by the application portal itself. Arts Council use Grantium which anyone who's applied knows is a right pain to use. Every round someone I work with fails to submit their application because they underestimate it - prepare yourself!
4. You can get access costs paid (and should!)
On top of the funding, you can apply for extra support if you need it. This includes an access worker, easy read documents, and help to complete the work you plan to do.
There's even £600 to help you BEFORE you apply.
5. The only eligibility requirements are:
- To have at least 1 years experience within the arts
- Be over 18 with a UK bank account
- Be based in England
- And be working in one of their chosen disciplines (of which there are many!)
6. There are so many opportunities to apply
Did you miss the deadline? Don’t worry, there are 3-4 opportunities to apply in a year.
Weren’t successful with your first application? Re-apply, you have two shots within a window of time.
There’s no excuse to not give it a shot.
Get 1:1 Support
Get 1:1 Support
This funding can make a world of difference, but writing a successful application can be hard. Whether you need help getting started, making your ideas more ambitious or feedback on your draft, I can help.
Bringing my years of experience looking at Arts Council applications and my RD1st Coaching Qualifications, I can work with you on a 1-2-1 basis for DYCP applications.
FREE Template for DYCP Applications
Arts Council England’s portal for filling out applications is really not great. So to make it easier on you, I’ve created a free template that you can download and use to complete your application.
Click the button below to download an editable word document including:
A checklist for everything to complete
All the questions in the application form
All the character counts
Advice on how to answer the questions
Ready made tables for your expenditure and activity plan
Got any more questions?
Got any more questions?
If you’ve got questions about the DYCP fund, application process or 1:1 sessions with me, please do get in touch.
I’m more than happy to help out however I can, however please remember that I’m not associated with Arts Council England, so may not have all the answers.
Another option is that Arts Council England have a “live chat” function. If you head to the DYCP page on their website during working hours, you can get put through to someone who can answer specific questions in minutes.