The application process of the Arts Grants Scheme

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

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

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

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

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

Application assessments

The Arts Service is supported in assessing every application by an independent Arts Grants Advisory Panel, comprising of local residents.

The Arts Service is supported in assessing every application by an independent Arts Grants Advisory Panel, comprising local artists and arts organisations.

All applications are assessed against the following criteria:

  • Demonstrating clear planning and organisation.
  • Incorporating measures to monitor the progress of the project
  • Offering clear means of evaluating the success of the project
  • A viable budget, offering value for money
  • Offering clear benefits to the residents of Kensington and Chelsea.

Successful applications

  • The Arts Service advises successful applicants by email, comprising: an offer letter confirming the level of funding awarded and whether there are conditions on this allocation; the terms and conditions of the grant scheme; and marketing guidelines for use of the Council’s logo and request for bank details, financial documents and project marketing information.
  • Once we receive a signed copy of the offer letter confirming agreement to the award and the scheme terms and conditions, all requested financial and organisational documents and your project marketing information, we will arrange BACS payment of the award.
  • As we are keen to support and promote your project from development to delivery, we ask you to provide us with a clear fully itemised project timeline. Include preparation dates and actions and the actual project start and end dates and times. Also include details of any name changes to your project.  Let us know if there are aspects of your project’s marketing that you wish not to be made public due to safeguarding, such as locations.
  • The grant is paid in full in advance, but we require a completed project evaluation form, including itemised list of project spend, with supporting receipts/invoices within six weeks of the specified project completion date.
  • Failure to return the evaluation form within six weeks of the project completion date may result in ineligibility for future funding from the Arts Grants Scheme.
  • Projects must be completed within 12 months of the offer letter date.
  • It is a condition of funding that successful applicants comply with any statutory requirements relating to working with children and vulnerable adults, including valid DBS licenses.

Acknowledging the grant

  • Successful applicants are required to acknowledge the Arts grant by using the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea logo on all project publicity materials, including printed and online media.
  • Successful applicants are required to provide:
    • at least two high quality marketing images.
    • promotional write up about the project that can be shared via social media and adheres to the wordcount limits of both twitter and Facebook. Please write in the third person.
    • share clear dates and times for the project along with location.
  • Successful applicants are also asked to connect with the Arts Service social media platforms and ensue cross posting of promotional media.
  • A copy of the logo, guidance on its use and Arts Service social media channels are forwarded as part of the confirmation of funding.

Repayment of a grant

  • Under certain circumstances, we may ask for a grant to be repaid, either whole or in part. These circumstances will vary but may include the following:
    • The applicant ceases to operate, is declared bankrupt, or placed into liquidation or receivership.
    • The applicant fails to use the grant for the purpose for which it was obtained, or fails to complete the project within 12 months of a grant being awarded.
    • The applicant fails to comply with the conditions of the grant.
    • The application form was completed fraudulently, incorrectly or misleadingly.
    • The applicant acts in a manner that is fraudulent or negligent at any time during the period of the grant.

Last updated: 13 March 2023