Finding financial support and space to grow as an artist can be daunting, especially when opportunities feel scattered or inaccessible. Whether you’re fresh out of uni or developing your practice independently, these five UK-based grants and residencies can help take some of the financial pressure off and let you focus on what matters most: making art.
1. The Fenton Arts Trust
What it is:
A grant-making trust supporting early-career UK artists working across a range of disciplines.
Who it’s for:
Artists who have completed their formal training and are in the early stages of their professional careers. Not suitable for students still in university or training.
What it offers:
Grants (usually under £5,000) to support individual works, performances, activities, or prizes in the arts. In 2023–24, the Trust awarded 31 grants totalling £148,000.
Why it’s good:
It’s straightforward funding that can be used flexibly, ideal for artists needing a financial boost to realise a specific project.
How to apply:
Visit the Fenton Arts Trust website for application details and deadlines.
2. Freelands Foundation Artist Programme
What it is:
A two-year residency and mentoring programme based outside of London, aimed at supporting artists and encouraging art education.
Who it’s for:
Early-career artists based in the UK who are interested in collaboration, community, and developing their practice.
What it offers:
A residency with studio space, a mentor, help with travel/living costs, and time to focus on your practice without pressure to produce outcomes.
Why it’s good:
It offers long-term support and a chance to build community and confidence through mentorship and peer exchange.
How to apply:
Check out the Freelands Foundation website for eligibility and partner institutions across the UK.
3. The Philip Bates Trust
What it is:
A charitable trust supporting the creative development of young people under 25, with a focus on the West Midlands.
Who it’s for:
Individuals under 25 or organisations working with young people in the arts – especially in the West Midlands.
What it offers:
- Grants of £100–£250 for individuals.
- Up to £500 for community or educational organisations.
Support is geared towards projects that encourage artistic engagement and skill-building.
Why it’s good:
This is an accessible option for younger artists or those involved in community-led work who need seed funding to get started.
How to apply:
Find out more at the Philip Bates Trust website.
4. The Elephant Trust
What it is:
A long-standing trust that supports new, imaginative work in the visual arts.
Who it’s for:
Independent visual artists, small galleries, and collectives based in the UK.
What it offers:
Grants ranging from £2,000 to £5,000 to support the making of new work or the mounting of exhibitions.
Why it’s good:
It’s ideal for artists with a project in mind who are looking for help to fund its realisation — especially those outside major institutions.
How to apply:
Visit elephanttrust.org.uk for current funding rounds and application guidance.
5. Arts Council England – Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP)
What it is:
A grant programme designed to help individual artists and creatives take their practice to the next level.
Who it’s for:
Artists, writers, performers, and creatives based in England who want to explore, research, or experiment with their work.
What it offers:
Grants between £2,000 and £10,000 to fund professional development — this might include mentorship, residencies, research, or training.
Why it’s good:
It’s flexible, future-focused funding that doesn’t require a finished product at the end — perfect for creative growth and experimentation.
How to apply:
Explore the DYCP programme at arts.council.org.uk/DYCP.
Whether you’re looking for funding, studio space, mentorship, or just a chance to focus on your work without outside pressures, these opportunities are designed with emerging artists in mind. Applying for grants or residencies might feel intimidating at first, but every application helps you clarify your ideas and get your work out there.