Arts Council England Launch Research Grant Programme

Arts Council England have just launched their new Research Grant Programme, which aims to provide opportunities for the art sector to engage in collaborative research to explore in depth the impact that arts and culture can have in the cultural, social, educational and economic landscape.

It's known that the arts and culture have a wider, more measurable impact on the 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 they are 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.

ACE expect 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 Arts Council England 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 will follow on 27 May 2015.

For more information visit this page at the Arts Council England website.