Arts Council England is inviting applications to its Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP) grant for independent creative practitioners.
DYCP aims to create more pathways for individuals from a range of creative practices and backgrounds and to provide time and space for research and development. Applicants can apply for between £2,000 and £12,000 to take a dedicated period of time to focus on their own creative development. Supported activity can last up to one year.
The award supports work across combined arts, dance, digital arts, libraries, literature, music, museums and collections, theatre and visual arts. The Arts Council uses the term ‘creative practitioners’ to include roles such as dancers, choreographers, writers, translators, producers, publishers, editors, musicians, conductors, composers, actors, directors, designers, artists, craft makers, curators, DJs, performer/creators, arts and cultural educators, community practitioners, movement directors, cultural conservators, creative enablers and creative technicians.
Individuals may apply, as well as small groups of practitioners who usually collaborate, such as artists who create work together or writers and their translators. Applicants must have at least one year’s creative practice experience outside a formal education context.
Eligible costs can include building networks, experimenting with new collaborators, international travel to explore other practice or work with mentors, professional development such as training, research and development time and practical steps to support more sustainable work.
The deadline for applications is 2 July 2026 (12:00).
