Arts for All

Funding for arts projects in Suffolk

Suffolk Arts Service is keen to support high quality, imaginative arts events that really involve local communities in the arts.

So if you think your project or event meets the following criteria for Arts for All, please do consider making an application.

Criteria for the Arts for All fund

The project or event must be high quality.
This normally means working with professional artists to achieve the project.

Projects or events must actively involve people in the arts, particularly those who, through social or physical circumstances, might find it difficult to participate in the arts.
This often means focusing on specific groups, and making sure you will really reach them.

The project/event must be additional to your standard activity.
Many organisations run similar programmes each year. Arts for All cannot be used to fund these programmes, unless you can demonstrate a clear difference between the groups you normally work with and the new ones you wish to involve OR you are introducing a new activity/art form into your annual programme.

The application must be for funding arts activity ONLY.
Arts for All cannot be used for capital purchases, such as music stands, computers, etc. It can be used for artists’ fees, publicity, general expenses, special transport costs and any other expense that enables people to take part in the event. Please note, this list is not exhaustive, so do contact the arts consultant if you wish to discuss your application.

The application must come from a not-for-profit group or charity.
Individuals are not eligible to apply.

The project or event must not start before the results of the funding application are known.
Arts for All cannot fund retrospectively, so please make sure you apply in time.

The project/event must take place in Suffolk.
If your group is planning a tour that visits Suffolk and you fulfill all the criteria above, you are welcome to apply for the element that takes place in Suffolk.

In the first instance, we advise you to contact the Culture and Communities Development Manager to discuss your project; she may be able to advise on additional funding and save you valuable time. You can call her on 01473 264654, or you can write to her at Endeavour House, Russell Road, Ipswich IP1 2BX.

How much can my group apply for?

The maximum grant available via Arts for All is £1500.

However, the full amount is seldom awarded, particularly where there are other sources of funding available. The arts consultant may be able to advise you on other available funds.

Sometimes groups are awarded less than they request. This may because the selection panel decides that it can only support certain parts of the budget, or because there are so many applications that meet all the criteria that it is impossible to award everyone the amount they have requested.

How does my group apply?

Your group needs to apply through the Suffolk Single Gateway (SSG), which manages the applications for all the county council and Primary Care Trust grants available to community and voluntary groups.

Details and application forms are available on the Suffolk Single Gateway pages.

When should my group apply?

There are two bidding rounds each year. The closing dates are:

  • 28 February and
  • 30 September

Funding results are normally known within 10 weeks of the deadline dates.