Community Arts Fund

The Community Arts Fund supports a range of arts, cultural and heritage activities. These include:

music
sound
dance
mime
drama
theatre
storytelling
creative writing
poetry
printmaking
painting
ceramics
sculpture
photography
public art
digital arts
video
media
film and animation projects
participatory outdoor arts and events

It aims to increase engagement in the arts in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. It encourages partnerships between established organisations, community groups and schools wherever possible.

The fund aims to support projects that:

deliver new arts and cultural projects and programmes (we do not fund annual events)
encourage active participation in the arts by a diverse cross section of the community including young people, older people, and under-represented groups within the Royal Borough of Greenwich
create participatory work that animates town centres and outdoor spaces, attracting local audiences all over the borough
develop partnerships between local cultural organisations, networks and groups
encourage delivery of community-based arts and cultural programmes and projects
are free of charge for our residents to experience or participate in

Applicants need to live, study or work in the borough.

Applications will be scored by a Community Advisory Panel.

Funding available

Applicants are invited to apply for a grant of up to £3,000. We will consider awarding up to £5,000 to projects that warrant additional funding.

How to apply

Applications open at 12pm on Wednesday 25 September. Applications close at 5pm on Sunday 20 October.

There can only be one application from each project or organisation each year. For successful applicants, project activitiy must not start until after you receive your contract. Projects must be completed by 31 March 2025.

You can apply online or by video.

Application support workshop

Our Culture and Events team will run a workshop to help you prepare your application. We'll tell you more about the application process and timescales. You'll also be able to ask questions about the grant scheme.

Date and time: Thursday 3 October 2024, at 12pm.

We'll be using Microsoft Teams for the workshop. If you do not already have Teams, we recommend you download it in advance.

Prepare your application form

We recommend you prepare your application before submitting it. To help you do this, you can review the application guide and use the template application form to prepare your answers.

You can then copy and paste your answers into the online form when you're ready, or plan what to say in your video application.

Read the application guidance

Download the template application form

If you need the guide in another format, email: artsgreenwich@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

Apply online

Remember to prepare your answers using the template application form first.

The online form times out after 20 minutes. You cannot save your application as you go.

Apply by video

If you prefer not to make a written application, you can submit a video application. Your video should be no longer than 5 minutes long. It should include your proposal in line with each of our application criteria.

Read more detailed information about how to submit a video application in the application guidance.

You can also fill in our equalities monitoring form. This helps us understand who is applying to the fund and makes sure it is accessible to all. You do not have to provide this information.

Successful applicants 2024 to 2025: Round 1

The 2024 Community Arts Fund funded the following organisations and their projects:

Acosta Dance Foundation – Rise Up and Dance!

A series of free dance classes, workshops, and initiatives that aim to improve the health, wellbeing, and access to the arts for young people in Greenwich. The programme will offer participants the opportunity to see and be inspired by professional Cuban dancers in training at the Acosta Dance Centre, culminating in a final showcase at Woolwich Works.

Arts Trust Productions – Summer in the Park

A Community-led, co-designed programme of activities in parks and “forgotten spaces" across the Borough during Summer months: Funding will support community picnics in Gallions and Queenscroft Parks, alongside a youth festival and a series of Silent Disco Skate Jams in Greenwich Park.

Black Female Entrepreneur Greenwich – Africa Cultural Festival

A series of cultural heritage activities, workshops and seminars showcasing the diversity of African artistic traditions: this will include drumming workshops at Plumstead Library, sewing classes at Tramshed, basket weaving sessions in Eltham and Afrobeats dance classes in Kidbrooke and Woolwich.

Greenwich Mummies Forum – Nepalese Dance and Cultural Program

12 week programme of activities for young people exploring Nepalese culture at the Plumstead Centre. Participants will learn a of series dances, making use traditional music, costumes, and props, creating an immersive experience and fostering cultural appreciation for Nepalese culture and its significance in the Borough of Greenwich.

Index Care – Colour Me Happy: Art and music fusion for well-being

Project aimed at nurturing artistic expression among adults and young people with learning difficulties. Over six engaging sessions, participants will explore diverse art forms, including charcoal drawing and ceramics, while being inspired by local poets, musicians, and dancers, culminating in an evening of music and poetry.

Lykwe @ Plot 9 Maze Hill – Star-Crossed, an original play written for the community space Plot 9 Maze Hill

Four theatre performances at new community space, Plot 9 Maze Hill. Participants will also engage with a programme of workshops in which they write and perform a creative response to the space, with their work being displayed for future visitors.

Ukrainian Arts Hub – Ukrainian Culture Days

Series of workshops for residents to explore the culture of Ukraine: this will include sessions on art, dance and folklore, creating a deeper understanding of the nation’s influence on the cultural, artistic and musical histories of Eastern Europe.

UK Latin Community CIC – Latin-Expo 2024 Summer Edition

Day-long celebration of Latin American culture through music, dance and food at Cutty Sark Gardens, showcasing traditional and contemporary art forms to create a deeper appreciation and understanding of Latin American cultures.