Open call for arts and culture funding launched

Birmingham’s arts and culture organisations can apply for new funding grants - between £10,000 and £50,000 each - as an open call for applications is launched today, 29 September.

Together on Culture is a new funding opportunity, which is part of Birmingham City Council’s strategic framework for culture. It is designed to provide support for creative projects which both improve the visibility of arts and culture in local communities, as well as help raise the profile of the city.^[1]

This sees the council building on its commitment to invest in key priorities identified by Birmingham's cultural partners and stakeholders, having already put more than £250,000 into arts and culture projects across the city this year (2026/27).

Now a further £400,000 is available for arts and cultural organisations, as well as community groups to deliver activities, events and improvements across the city.

This latest round of funding focuses on bringing Birmingham to life by investing in existing cultural place-based plans and creating opportunities for creative activities in local communities.

Grant applications are now open for three streams - across which there is a pot of £400,000 – linked to Birmingham City Council's strategic framework for culture, Together on Culture:

Local Cultural Improvement Fund will support constituted organisations in Birmingham to deliver creative projects based on existing local cultural plans that increase the visibility of arts and culture in local communities.

Local Cultural Event Fund will support locally delivered arts and cultural events, using local spaces, for activities that bring people together in their neighbourhoods, to participate in arts and cultural events and celebrate local creativity.

There is £100,000 funding for grants for each of these streams (£200,000 in total), which will be made as awards of up to £10,000.

Magnets and Moonshots Open Call Fund will support high-profile cultural events and activities that attract visitors, raise Birmingham's profile and generate wider economic and social benefits, contributing to a vibrant and inclusive city.

There is £200,000 funding available to support cultural tourism. Grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 will be available, in proportion to the scale of proposed event.

Cllr Deborah Harries, Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “Birmingham has a wealth of creativity and talent, so it’s great that we’re able to offer some funding that will help organisations bring that alive in their local communities and to attract residents and visitors to see something new and exciting in our city.

"This latest round of small grants means the council has invested into the city's cultural priorities through these funding streams – helping bring arts and culture activities and events to as many of our city's communities as possible, whilst also helping to raise the profile of Birmingham.”

The council’s Culture Development Service is hosting a webinar to give applicants more details about the application process on 7 October 2026 at 12pm and 5pm.

Please register to attend by emailing art.grants@birmingham.gov.uk with your name, organisation, contact number and the session you would like to attend. Information will be made available for any applicants who cannot attend.

Applications for all three funding pots must be made by 1pm on 6 November 2026.

For further information or if applicants require any support, please email art.grants@birmingham.gov.uk

ENDS