About the Arts Grants Scheme

  1. About the Arts Grants Scheme

    Information about the Arts Grants Scheme, who can apply and what the grants can be used for.

  2. Arts Grants Advisory Panel and Terms of Reference

    Information about the role of the Arts Grants Advisory Panel, the panel composition and when they meet.

  3. The application process of the Arts Grants Scheme

    Information about how Arts Grants applications are assessed and the things you need to do if your application is successful.

  4. Terms and Conditions

    Read and understand the full terms and conditions of the Arts Grants Scheme and the committments you are agreeing to if your application is successful.

  5. How to apply for the Arts Grants Scheme

    Guidance on how to complete the Arts Grants Scheme Application Form.

  6. Arts Grants awarded in Autumn 2023

    Information about the projects and artists the grants were awarded to in Autumn 2023.

About the scheme

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea recognises the value of the arts and is committed to supporting artists and organisations to develop high quality arts activities within the borough.

This commitment is reflected in four key ambitions to:

  1. demonstrate ambition, creativity, and originality
  2. promote collaborative working and build capacity across new and established partnerships
  3. create learning and development opportunities for audiences and participants (which includes artists)
  4. ensure that creative activity is accessible and supports wellbeing for our residents.

The Arts Grants Scheme opens for applications once a year and offers grants of up to £3,000 and welcomes applications from individuals and organisations looking to produce innovative and engaging art projects across the borough.

There will be a large demand on this scheme, so unfortunately not all applications will be successful. These grant guidelines are intended to make sure you and your project idea qualify.

First time applicants are advised to read the supplementary information to help you put together your application.

Kensington and Chelsea Social Council offer support to voluntary sector organisations, and are able to advise on and proof draft applications. Contact Nada Sallam at [email protected].

The term ‘arts’ includes music, sound, dance, mime, drama, theatre, storytelling, creative writing, poetry, architecture and allied fields, printmaking, installation, circus, carnival, painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography, costume and fashion design, textiles, public art, digital arts, video, new media, film and animation.

Who can apply

We welcome applications from any of the following who are based in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea:

  • Individuals, aged 18 years and over who are supported by a borough based legally registered organisation
  • Registered professional or registered voluntary Arts organisation
  • Registered Community Interest Company (CIC)
  • Registered Charity, Community, Voluntary or Not-for-Profit organisation
  • Youth group
  • Health group or organisation
If your organisation is based in the borough but not a legally registered entity, you must provide details of a borough based registered organisation to support your application. The grant will be paid into the registered organisation’s bank account. 

If you are an individual or organisation that is not based in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, you can still apply if you can provide a letter or email of support from a borough based registered organisation.  You will also need to ensure that the Arts Grants funded portion of our project takes place within the borough (see 6. Declaration – Supporting Information in How to apply for the Arts Grant Fund). If your application is successful, we require the following documentation:
  • If applying as a representative of an Organisation: You will need to provide a copy of a recent, redacted bank statement. The bank statement must clearly display the name, address, sort code and account number of the organisation.  You will also need to provide your company registration number.
  • If you are applying as an individual who is supported by an organisation you will need to provide a confirmation letter or email from your chosen borough based partner organisation that can receive the grant award. We cannot pay grants into a personal bank account.  Your chosen partner organisation will also need to provide the information listed above in the first bullet point.
Who cannot apply

We welcome applications from any of the following as partners of projects, but not as the applicant:

  • Schools or educational establishments.
  • Any local authority-maintained organisation or departments within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea local authority.
  • Commercial companies or profit-making organisations with projects for the purpose of making a profit.
We are not able to accept applications from current grant holders or previous grant holders who have failed to return a satisfactory evaluation for the activity funded. Applicants are not permitted to hold more than one Arts Grant award in the same financial year or to receive funding in consecutive rounds.
How much you can apply for
  • Individuals and organisations can apply for a grant up to a maximum of £3,000.
  • Amounts anywhere between £500 - £3,000 may be requested.
  • The Arts Grants do not cover 100% of project costs. Matched funding is required, at least 10% of the total project costs.
What we will fund
  • Projects clearly meeting at least two of the four ambitions.
  • Projects taking place within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and of benefit to our residents.
  • Projects that have a participatory element.
  • Artist-based talks.
  • Research and development leading to a project that will result in clear public benefit.
  • Marketing and promotional material required as part of a project.
  • Materials or equipment required as part of a project.
What we will not fund
  • Projects that are for private gain, or result in a profit.
  • Projects that have no public benefit for residents of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
  • Projects that do not have a strong arts component.
  • Existing website maintenance.
  • Study or training fees.
  • Activities that promote a particular political or religious view.
  • Framing or exhibition mounting costs.
  • Refreshments or meals.
  • Capital costs.
  • Core running costs or overheads, for example utilities, stationery or rent (although up to 10% of your budget can include costs for overheads specific to your application).
  • Loan repayments.
  • VAT.
  • Budget deficits.
  • Endowments.
  • Promotional material, videos and online marketing for the applicant in general, rather than a specific project.
  • Activities that have already taken place.
  • Activities placed in a formal education setting as part of the core curriculum.
  • Recurring projects with no development, such as regular workshops, annual festivals/events.

Contact the Arts Service

  • Email: [email protected]
  • To keep up with funding opportunities, arts and culture news, and events in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea email us at:  [email protected] to be added to our mailing list.  

Last updated: 20 April 2023