The Bristol City Council Originators Fund is now open for applications to support events, arts and cultural activities taking place from June 2021 to May 2022.

Changes have been made since the fund was last open, with improved accessibility, a new application form and guidance, after consultation with a range of local creative groups and individuals. Bristol City Council is particularly keen to hear from groups and individuals who haven't applied before, and it wants to make sure the funding is spread across different areas of the city.

Grants of £500-5,000 are available to formal organisations (such as a registered charity or CIC), informal organisations (such as community groups, collectives or organisations without a constitution) and individuals aged over 18, based in the Bristol City Council Local Authority area.

You are welcome to submit applications for 100% of the funding, or to part-fund a project, but arts and culture must be the focus of your project (religious worship or political activities are not eligible), and it must provide a public benefit. Capital projects and fundraising events will not be accepted.

The fund aims to:

• Develop Bristol as a leading cultural city for creativity, DIY culture, grassroots engagement and new ideas.
• Make arts and culture more diverse and equal in terms of the people creating it, taking part in it and watching it.
• Keep arts and culture fair and inclusive, empowering and caring, and supportive of people's wellbeing. 

To help you with your application and to meet other people considering applying, please register now for the informal networking session taking place on Tuesday 9 February, 10am-12pm, via Zoom.

Funding applications close at midnight on Monday 8 March 2021, and completed application forms must be emailed to cityartsfunds@bristol.gov.uk. Applicants will be contacted with the result of their funding bid by May 2021.

For more details, guidelines and full eligibility criteria, click here.