Grants to individuals across Cumbria who are striving to achieve excellence in their chosen field of the arts. The Fund champions innovation and equity and aims to remove barriers. Applications are welcome from individuals who can demonstrate artistic talent and who seek to grow, learn, and develop their practice.
Donor
The late Miss Mary Burkett and friends
Who can apply? The Fund will prioritise individuals who:
• originate from Cumbria or live in the county
• can demonstrate talent or the potential to develop their creativity
• are least able to afford to develop their talent or creativity
The Fund will support and enable:
• people of all ages, with a focus on young people
• those with the least opportunities or exposure to the arts
• established practitioners to grow and learn, and develop their practice
• the promotion of quality and excellence
• recognition that the pursuit of artistic practice is an objective in itself
• individual ‘voices’ and those committed to conveying messages e.g. need for societal change, challenging the status quo, etc
• ‘new’ and unconventional work
• greater use of the Foundation’s relationships with funded organisations and schools to identify people who may have talent, or a ‘spark’ to be nurtured
• artists to afford to be able to dedicate substantial time to their work (when funds allow)
What the Fund will not support in addition to our normal exclusions:
• artists in residence
• activities exclusively for school children
How much can you apply for?
Grants will normally be between £500 – £2,000 over one year.
Household income will be considered in the assessment of the application.
Deadline for applications: https://www.cumbriafoundation.org/deadline-dates
**Until April 2027, applications currently only being considered for visual arts applicants. (Visual arts can include film making , video, photography , print making, ceramics, sculptural work and painting but excludes commercial graphics. This list is not exhaustive, for more information contact lisa@cumbriafoundation.org)**
How to apply?
• All applications are now made through our online application portal
• Please apply using the General Fund – Individual application form.
• Read our step‑by‑step portal help guide here
For further information, contact:
Lisa Blackwell, Grants & Programmes Officer on 01900 820828 or email lisa@cumbriafoundation.org