13 February 2024
Esmée Fairbairn Foundation Announces £1m Youth-Led Creativity Funding Programme
The Foundation will open the £1 million grants programme on 14 February for Expressions of Interest.
The Youth-Led Creativity programme builds on young people’s power to make change, use creativity to enhance their lives, develop their careers, and influence the world around them.
The funding is focused on work led by and for young people (aged 14 to 30) who have less access to creative programmes or who are underrepresented in arts and culture.
This includes young people who:
- Are D/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent.
- Are from communities experiencing racial inequity.
- Are economically or educationally disadvantaged.
- Identify as LGBT+.
- Have migration or care experience.
The Foundation anticipates awarding £1 million in 2024. The funding can be used for single or multi-year grants and for project and/or core costs.
The maximum limit that can be applied for is £120,000 for up to three years. It is expected that between 8 to 12 grants will be awarded.
A Learning Programme will run alongside the funding. This will be co-designed by funded organisations and facilitated by a Learning Partner. The Learning Programme will enable peer support and learning. Organisations will be compensated to support participation.
Applications will be considered from organisations and work that:
- Are driven and shaped by young people so they can build their confidence and skills. Most of the young people supported need to be aged 14 to 30.
- Understand and can demonstrate a track record of centring the voices of young people from communities underrepresented in arts and culture. This includes: young people who are D/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent, are from communities experiencing racial inequity, are economically disadvantaged, identify as LGBT+, have migration and/or care experience.
- Prioritise the joy and care of young people.
- Use art and creativity as a tool for young people to use their voice and influence change in their own lives and the world around them.
- Are driving change for the future either by doing something new, or by using tried and tested models to push things forward.
Applications will be accepted from two or more organisations working in partnership.
There is a two-stage application process.
Expression of Interest will be accepted from 14 February 2024 and 15 March 2024 (17:00).