Artist Opportunities

“More Than AI Sandbox” is a programme to support makers to experiment creatively with AI, recognising it as one of many diverse intelligences in our world, and create a new prototype. We will commission up to six teams to develop their ideas to prototype with an award of up to £45k each. The More Than AI Sandbox will take place Summer 2024 with a view to sharing prototypes Autumn 2024 and is part of the MyWorld Ideas Programme inviting creative SMEs, artists, designers, technologists and creative practitioners to propose new and distinctive ideas creatively and critically exploring artificial intelligence.

Eligibility: Lead applicants can be individuals (e.g sole trader/freelancer) or small, micro or medium sized business (you may be applying as a collaboration with other SMEs and/or individuals). You must be able fully commit to participating in the Sandbox methodology & workshops. You are eligible to apply for the funding if the amount of state aid you/your company has received does not exceed £315,000 over any period of 3 fiscal years.

What you get: Sandbox teams will be granted up to £45K, along with a comprehensive workshop package, during the three-month production period. Dedicated support from a Watershed Producer, Industry Experts/Advisors, Business Mentor, and Creative Technologist is provided. Our assistance extends to fostering inclusive practices, Access, and PR support. Teams will have exclusive access to facilities in the Pervasive Media Studio, including desk space, bookable rooms, timebank, and participation in Show & Test events. Additionally,a short promotional film documenting the prototype will be produced as a showcase highlight.

Deadline 18 December 2023

The Black Artists Grant (BAG) offered by Creative Debuts as a no-strings attached financial support to help black artists. They can spend the grant on whatever they want – be that make new work, buy equipment or materials, travel, research, visit exhibitions or conferences, or to even just cover some life expenses.

Eligibility: Applicants must be based in the UK; there is no age limit. This is specifically for Black artists (those with Black heritage and identify as Black); not politically Black, not POC or BAME.

What you get: Each successful recipient will receive £500; the grant does not expect any outcomes or reporting.

Deadline 31 December 2023

NOT REAL ART is offering financial backing to six self-driven artists with a no-strings-attached award package of $2K. Founded in 2019, the grant is one of our flagship programs and a true cornerstone of our work in the creative industry.

Eligibility: Applications for the 2024 NOT REAL ART grant are open to artists 21+ working in any 2D or 3D medium. Applicants must live and work in the United States and may not apply if they are previous recipients of the NOT REAL ART grant.

What you get: Along with financial support from the award package of $2K, each winner receives publicity, including an interview on our podcast and a full-length feature published on NOT REAL ART.

Deadline 01 January 2024

The New Landscapes Catalyst Grant Scheme is an international program led by UAL’s Fashion, Textiles, and Technology Institute (FTTI), in partnership with the British Council. This year the British Council and UAL’s FTTI launched the New Landscapes India R&D grant scheme, a three-year programme supporting collaboration in sustainable fashion, textiles, and technology between partners in India and the UK.

Eligibility: The call is open to all designers, entrepreneurs, and SMEs in the UK and India. Applications must be a partnership between at least 1 UK applicant and at least 1 Indian applicant. At least one of the applicants should qualify as an SME. Both the UK and Indian applicants must have been in business for at least 3 years.

What you get: The New Landscapes India R&D programme will award seven grants of up to £7,000, for collaborative projects led by designers, entrepreneurs, and SMEs in the UK and India. There will be an opportunity in year two for grantees to bid for further funding after the successful completion of the project in year one.

Deadline 15 January 2024

The Theo Moorman Trust’s biennial grants for Weavers in the UK aim to encourage and support weavers in the United Kingdom to enjoy artistic freedom so that they may contribute to the development of handweaving and the education of future weavers. Biennially we award grants to younger weavers in the early stages of their careers who show potential and commitment as well as to more experienced weavers for a particular project or for time out to develop their work.

Eligibility: Weavers living and working in the United Kingdom may apply. Whilst the Trust may fund some specialist weaving courses formal undergraduate and post-graduate studies will not be funded. Applicants need to have at least two and a half years of working experience in their weaving independent of higher education (including post-graduate courses) before applying.

What you get: Grants of between £500 - £5000

Deadline 01 February 2024

Culture Moves Europe’s second call for individual mobility targets artists and cultural professionals working in the following sectors: music, literature, architecture, cultural heritage, design and fashion design, visual arts, and performing arts. The Individual Mobility Action supports artists and cultural professionals to carry out a project with a partner of their choice in another Creative Europe country.

Eligibility: The call is open to individuals and groups of up to 5 people, who wish to implement projects lasting between 7 to 60 days for individuals and 7 to 21 days for the groups. The application will be evaluated based on the applicant(s) goal, mobility relevance, long-term positive impacts of the project, and sustainability aspects of the project.

What you get: The grant is composed of a travel allowance (up to €700 per person for a round-trip), a daily allowance (€75 per person per day), and individual top-ups. The grant calculations are made specifically for each grantee, based on their project and personal situation. More information on the link to the open call.

Deadline 31 May 2024

Film London and Arts Council England present FLAMIN Animations, a commissioning programme for four early-career black-identifying artists animators living in the UK. Part of FLAMIN (Film London Artists’ Moving Image Network), the programme aims to support artist animators as they take their first steps into a career working with the moving image, with development support and funding for a new 2-3 minute animation.

Eligibility: Applicants should be experimenting with animation and must be 18-30 years old. This opportunity is for black-identifying artists who have a UK address. No formal education in animation or art is necessary, but please note that current students are not eligible. FLAMIN is open to people working in partnerships.

What you get: The successful applicants will receive £3,000 to create a new animation, along with development support and advice from the FLAMIN Team. Additionally, bespoke mentoring opportunities will be provided by animation professionals in the art and film industries. As a FLAMIN alumnus, the artists will benefit from ongoing profile and promotion through Film London's newsletter and social media channels.

Deadline 05 October 2024