In recent years, East London has become a creative hub, with its vibrant streets, bustling markets, and diverse melting pot of cultures. However, one of the biggest challenges faced by creatives anywhere, especially East London, is applying for funding for their creative projects. With the vast creative talent on the scene, and many ideas turned projects in the pipeline, we have put together a list of 5 places East Londoners can check out to secure creative funding.
The Arts Council England offers National Lottery Project Grants that are ready to support all kinds of creative endeavors, from visual arts to music and literature. Project Grants are always open to support applications between £1,000 and £100,000. What’s more, they have recently modified their application form process, making it easier for smaller projects requiring more, they have recently modified their application form process, making it easier for smaller projects requiring funding under £30,000.
In addition, the Arts Council also provides DYCP funding (Developing Your Creative Practice), which supports cultural and creative practitioners and wants to focus on their creative development. You can receive funding ranging from £2,000-£12,000 and applications for Round 20 funding are now open! The deadline is midday 11 April 2024. For more information, visit their site here.
An added bonus- if you would like to receive funding application support, The Good Growth Hub works closely with a facilitator who helps creatives prepare their application: @fundingwithmina's link in bio | Linktree
2. Kickstarter:
Kickstarter is a crowdfunding platform: There are many great crowdfunding platforms to help bring creative projects to life (see list below), but we like Kickstarter as not only can creators receive funding and support, but it also provides an opportunity to Also, there are no lengthy forms, so it is an easy process.
Kickstarter also provides lots of advice for creatives and has a great handbook to help guide creatives through each step of their project’s process. Creatives can learn how to communicate with potential funders and how to be transparent in terms of visuals and the written words
The East End Community Foundation is a “grant-maker and philanthropy advisor dedicated to improving lives in Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets and the City of London”. The East End Community Foundation provides grants for projects that combat issues such as poverty, isolation, and access to the arts. Their focus on community well-being makes them a golden resource for projects with a social edge.
4. Cockpit Arts
For designers and makers, Cockpit Arts offers awards and bursaries providing studio space and business support. While they tend to focus on London as a whole, East London creatives in the design and crafts sectors can certainly potentially benefit from their support.
For creatives in the film and photography sectors, Four Corners offers facilities, training, and support in East London. They receive their own funding from European investors and the Arts Council and are a great support for projects that require specialized equipment or space, providing both funding and in-kind support.
Bonus platforms to find funding for your creative idea:
DIY Crowdfunding: Platforms such as Patreon allow you to pitch directly to your audience and can help them become directly involved in your work. This can be an excellent way to build a community around your work.
Creative Community membership: Joining local creative hubs or co-working spaces can provide not only workspace but also invaluable networking opportunities.
Go directly to the organization:
- For artists, New Contemporaries, Freelands Foundation grants, SPACE Studios and Cockpit Arts
- For artistic curators, New Curators
- For film, BFI or BAFTA develop your career funds
- For East Londoners: Foundation for Future London small grant scheme
Important things to consider before applying for funding:
Impact: Highlight the significance of your project. How will it benefit the community? What does it bring to the cultural landscape of East London? Funders are more likely to invest in projects with a clear and positive impact.
Social Media and Online Presence: Use platforms like Instagram, Tik Tok, and LinkedIn to showcase your work and network with other creators and potential funders. A strong online presence can gain funders' attention and bring you funding opportunities directly.
Educational Institutions: Universities sometimes have funding for creative projects, especially for alumni or those connected to the institution.