National Forest Arts Grants – Applications Open!

Having launched in 2021 the National Forest Arts Grants have now reopened for a second round.

The Arts Grants are to support the National Forest creative community to develop and pilot new projects inspired by the National Forest and in response to one or more of the following themes – Nature, Health & Wellbeing, Sense of Place, Sustainability and Climate Action.

We are looking for projects that offer new approaches to engaging people either through the development process or the sharing and celebration of the work. Proposals should reflect the values of the National Forest which are centred around the belief that tackling climate change is urgent and sustainability is achievable.

The projects that were recently delivered as part of the National Forest Arts Grants pilot scheme provided a variety of opportunities for people to experience the Forest in new and unique ways, from podcasts, printed booklets and songs to a mobile exhibition which toured the Forest by bicycle. We are looking forward to seeing the range of ideas that are put forward for this second round.

We hope to award 6 grants of up to £3000, to be delivered between 31st January – 16th September 2022.

If suitable, selected projects will have the opportunity to be part of the programme at Timber festival (1st-3rd July 2022) – timberfestival.org.uk

Who the scheme is aimed at:

The scheme is open to any art form, including but not restricted to, visual arts, performing arts, crafts, lens-based media, digital arts and socially engaged practice.

The grants are to support arts activity to be delivered in the National Forest and are open to artists, creative practitioners, arts organisations and community groups either based in the National Forest or who can demonstrate an existing connection to the National Forest.

We welcome and encourage applications from those who are underrepresented in the creative and environmental sectors, including but not limited to, Black, Asian and ethnically diverse people, individuals with Disabilities and LGBTQ+ individuals.

How to apply:

The deadline for applying is 5pm Monday 10 January 2022. To apply please download and complete the National Forest Arts Grants Application Form, along with the Guidance Notes via this link.

If you require any further information, would like to discuss an idea or any access requirements related to an application then please do get in touch.