Arts Council of Wales Announces Major Overhaul of Funding Programmes

The Arts Council of Wales has announced a significant refresh of its National Lottery–funded programmes, marking one of the most substantial shifts in its project‑based funding offer in recent years. The changes, which take effect Monday 13 April 2026, introduce new schemes, updated criteria, and clearer pathways for artists, organisations, festivals, and communities across Wales. arts.wales

This overhaul follows a review of the long‑running Create scheme and responds directly to sector feedback about accessibility, clarity, and the need for more tailored support. The result is a suite of programmes designed to nurture creative development, widen participation, and strengthen the infrastructure of Wales’ arts ecosystem.

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A New Suite of Funding Programmes

🎭 Create & Engage

A streamlined evolution of the existing Create programme, Create & Engage focuses on projects where the primary beneficiaries are the people taking part in or experiencing the work. It continues to support:

• Creating work for presentation

• Programming, presenting, and touring

• Participation and community engagement

• Training and professional development (now exclusively for organisations delivering sector‑wide training) arts.wales

The small scheme remains rolling with a 10‑week turnaround, while the large scheme introduces four annual deadlines, beginning 29 April 2026. arts.wales

🎉 Festivals

A dedicated programme for time‑limited festivals offering high‑quality arts experiences. Grants of up to £100,000 are available, with two deadlines per year: 29 July and 16 December 2026. arts.wales

🔬 Research & Development

Designed to support the creation of ambitious new work, this scheme offers awards up to £10,000 and £30,000, with deadlines on 20 May and 9 September 2026. Notably, the in‑kind cap has been removed, giving applicants more flexibility in structuring their projects. arts.wales

🧪 Creative Practice

A dedicated fund for individual artists and creative professionals to invest in experimentation, skills development, and new ways of working. Applicants can request up to £10,000, with the same deadlines as R&D. arts.wales

🌱 Creative Steps (Individuals & Organisations)

Reopening in April, Creative Steps supports those who have historically faced barriers to accessing funding.

• Individuals: Open to artists who identify as Ethnically and Culturally diverse, D/deaf, disabled, or neurodivergent. Grants up to £7,500 plus access costs, with four cycles of Expressions of Interest and deadlines running through 2026–27.

• Organisations: For groups led by at least 51% of people from the above communities. Funding ranges from £500 to £75,000, with two deadlines: 29 July and 16 December 2026. arts.wales

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Key Policy Changes

The review has also led to several important shifts in how applications are assessed and managed:

• Projects involving schools are now eligible if the wider community is the primary beneficiary. Curriculum‑focused work remains ineligible and must go through Creative Learning.

• Applicants may only reapply once for the same project if unsuccessful.

• Only one application may be live at a time (with limited exceptions such as Wales in Edinburgh).

• The small Create programme closes 25 March and reopens 13 April 2026. arts.wales

These changes aim to reduce administrative burden, increase fairness, and ensure funding reaches a broader range of voices and communities.

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Building Future Capacity

Beyond grants, the Arts Council is developing a new offer of business development training and organisational support, with further details to be released in the coming months. This signals a commitment not only to funding creative work but also to strengthening the long‑term sustainability of Wales’ cultural sector. arts.wales

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Why This Matters

This refreshed funding landscape represents a shift toward:

• Greater clarity and transparency

• More equitable access

• Stronger support for underrepresented artists and organisations

• A clearer distinction between project creation, community engagement, and professional development

• A more predictable annual cycle for planning and delivery

For artists, producers, and cultural organisations across Wales, the new structure offers both stability and opportunity—while encouraging innovation, inclusion, and community impact.