Closed for applications!

In light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been found and reported that the level of investment and support for freelancers, independent creatives, artists, musicians, and performers across the arts could be improved, with many freelance artists leaving the sector.

Following extensive consultation, the need for a focused, small investment into the creative sector was highlighted. This led to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) establishing the Culture Fund to support the regrowth and strengthening of the creative sector in Greater Manchester.

The GMCA Culture Fund: Inspire is designed to support Greater Manchester-based:

 

Freelance artists.

 

Independent creatives, artists, musicians, and performers.

 

Small creative arts organisations (less than £100k turnover).

Funding rounds and submission deadlines

There will be 5 rounds of funding 2024 – 2026. Please submit your application for consideration in the round of your choice. Please note that funding is ring-fenced to support each round.

 

CLOSED – Round 1

Round 1 closed at 12:00PM, Friday 1 March 2024. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

 

CLOSED – Round 2

Round 2 closed at 12:00PM, Friday 31 May 2024. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

 

CLOSED- Round 3

Round 3 closed at 12:00PM, Friday 1 November 2024. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.

 

Round 4

Opens 28 April 2025 until 12:00PM, Friday 30 May 2025.

 

Round 5

Opens 29 September 2025 until 12:00PM, Friday 31 October 2025.

Frequently asked questions

What is eligible for funding?

The GMCA Culture Fund: Inspire welcomes applications that concern or involve:

• Music
• Craft
• Small Capital Expenditures
• Theatre/Spoken Word
• Photography
• Equipment
• Visual Arts
• Film
• Instruments
• Multi-disciplinary Arts
• Design
• Room, space hire but not solely
• Literature
• Museums
• Event/project budgets (in part, only)
• Heritage
• Combined Arts
• Course fees – practice/area-specific (not degree-level or above)
• Dance
• Resources
• Applications only within GM

What will not be considered eligible for funding?

• Total costs of an event or project
• Living costs or expenses
• Organisations already funded by the Spirit and Sustain strands of the GMCA Culture Fund
• Work already supported by GMCA
• Costs towards a project or activity that will last beyond April 2026
• Living costs, costs to pay yourself or others for time worked, or expenses

What will happen after I submit an application?

Once a few checks have been completed, applications (minus contact details) are passed to the assessment panel for review. This is followed by a meeting to agree on the awards. All applicants will be notified of the outcome, by email, within 10 weeks of the closing date. If successful, your award will be paid into your account by bank transfer. Salford CVS will request a very simple update on progress 4-6 months later; also, quotes, photos, videos etc., will be very welcome!

I’ve read the guidance and the T&C’s and still have questions – who do I speak to?
If you are a small group, freelancer, or independent creative, and unsure whether your idea is an eligible spend, or would like help completing the application form or require it in another format (e.g. hard copy, large print, using BSL etc.), please email: [email protected]

What support is available to applicants?

If you’d like to talk through your project idea or find out more about this fund please contact: [email protected].