New round of funding for creative projects and events

by the Arts and Events team at Bristol City Council

As well as looking after the city’s museums, archives, Bottle Yard Studios and Create Centre, the Culture and Creative Industries team at Bristol City Council is also responsible for the distribution of funds to support Bristol’s wider cultural and creative sectors.

Our Cultural Investment Programme helps to support a wide range of organisations and activities; from large city centre venues to local grass roots groups, from major festivals to neighbourhood celebrations.

We’re very pleased to announce that our new round of Originators funding opens today (Friday 22 January 2021).

The Originators Fund awards grants to Bristol-based organisations and individuals from £500 to £5,000. Projects which are awarded funding will need to take place between June 2021 and May 2022. The deadline for applications is midnight on Monday 8 March 2021.

We have worked with a focus group of Bristol creatives, festival representatives, community representatives and citizens to simplify the application process. We have re-designed the process to improve accessibility and to encourage a wide range of people to apply. New online networking sessions will also be available for potential applicants. Those wishing to apply are encouraged to register for an information session on 2 February.

The Originators Fund is part of Bristol City Council’s Cultural Investment Programme which is designed to develop Bristol’s national and international reputation as a creative cultural city, to actively advance equality and diversity and to improve people’s lives through the arts.

Last year’s Originators funding, delayed due to the outbreak of the pandemic, is now being released. The full list of applicants can be found on the Bristol City Council website.

To find out more about applying for Originators 21/22, visit the Bristol City Council website. Applicants will be informed about the outcome of their submission in mid-May 2021.