Introduction
Freelands Foundation is dedicated to expanding access to art education and the visual arts throughout the UK. Our educational programs collaborate with teachers and educators to cultivate diverse and ambitious approaches to art education, emphasizing teaching as an art form. In 2023, we focus on supporting visual art organizations working on projects that empower school teachers.
Autumn 2023 Fund
Our Autumn 2023 Fund invites applications for grants ranging from £50,000 to £150,000 per year, for up to three years. We seek visual arts organizations with innovative programs fostering collaborative relationships between schools and art institutions. These projects should revolve around creative approaches to art education, centering teachers within the process.
Application Details
- Accepting Expressions of Interest: 11 September – 20 November 2023
Access Information
Freelands Foundation is committed to making its grant funding accessible to as many eligible organizations as possible. If anyone in your organization requires additional assistance or information in accessible formats, please email grants@freelandsfoundation.co.uk with the subject line ‘Autumn 2023 Fund – Access’.
About the Autumn 2023 Fund
Teachers play a pivotal role in advancing art education across the UK. Freelands Foundation aims to provide spaces for teachers to nurture their creative and educational practices, delivering inspiring, diverse, and innovative art education to young people. Collaborations between art organizations and teachers have the potential to enrich learning programs.
The Autumn 2023 Fund seeks to support organizations delivering bold and innovative projects that cultivate collaborative relationships between schools and visual art institutions. We are interested in projects that place teachers at the core of creative approaches to art education, inspiring and engaging young learners.
Key Focus Areas
- Bold and Innovative: Projects challenging existing frameworks and taking radical actions to reshape collaborations between museums, galleries, and teachers.
- Collaborative Relationships: Initiatives that foster deep relationships where ideas and expertise are exchanged among teachers, schools, and art organizations.
- Teacher-Centered: Projects providing empowering opportunities for teachers to develop and share their creative and educational practices.
- Creative Approaches: Initiatives embracing experimentation and exploration in art education to push boundaries.
How to Apply
We employ a two-stage application process:
1. Expression of Interest (EOI): This stage introduces your organization and project. The EOI consists of practical information, eligibility checks, and two short questions about your organization and proposed project.
- Open: Monday 11 September 2023
- Deadline: Monday 20 November 2023, 12 pm (noon)
2. Full Application: Selected organizations, following assessment of the EOIs, will be invited to submit a comprehensive application.
- Invitation to Full Application: Week commencing 22 January 2024
- Deadline: Friday 23 February 2024, 12 pm (noon)
Applicant Support
Freelands Foundation will host online sessions to introduce the Autumn 2023 Fund. Additionally, applicants invited to the Full Application stage will receive a £1,000 application support grant.
Eligibility Criteria
The Autumn 2023 Fund is open to organizations meeting the following criteria:
- Visual Arts Organizations with a track record of learning and education work.
- Charitable Status.
- Location in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.
- Partnership with school(s) in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit our website for FAQs related to the Autumn 2023 Fund Expressions of Interest.
CIC Eligibility Criteria
For Community Interest Companies (CICs) to be eligible for Freelands Foundation funding, specific criteria must be met.
Consortium Applications
The Autumn 2023 Fund is open to consortiums (groups) of organizations working together. Lead applicants play a crucial role.
Safeguarding and Inclusion
Your organization must have regularly reviewed safeguarding and equal access/inclusion policies.
Existing Grantees
Organizations with prior or existing grant relationships with Freelands Foundation are eligible to apply, with some exceptions.
Funding Restrictions
Certain funding restrictions apply to the Autumn 2023 Fund.
Expression of Interest Budget
High-level budget information is required in the Expression of Interest.
Overheads
Overheads can be included in your project’s budget, ensuring it aligns with grant guidelines.
