The application process has two stages:

1. Stage one

There are four steps to applying at stage one:

  • fill in the online application form to tell us about your organisation, your capital project, how it will meet your organisation's needs, and how your project outcomes will meet our goals and priorities. If you need assistance with making an online application please contact our enquiries team at enquiries@artscouncil.org.uk or by phoning: 0845 300 6200
  • if you are applying for a building project, we expect you to include the feasibility study and options appraisal you have undertaken. All applicants can send this supporting information in a digital file of up to 10MB
  • submit your application online. Once you have registered online you can start your application, save your work and come back at any time to complete it 

Please note that stage one of funding round two is now closed. Further information on when we will start accepting applications for stage one, round three will be available shortly. 

We will use the information that you give us to make a firm decision about whether or not to invite you to complete a stage two application. We are unlikely to invite more than a small number of projects in each stage one application round to submit stage two applications.

If you are unsuccessful, we will provide feedback so you can consider reapplying for the next round.

If you are successful, we will confirm the indicative amount we have set aside for your project. You would then progress to stage two and submit a further application to secure a grant for this amount. 

How much you should apply for

The minimum capital grant available is £500,000. Grants in excess of £5 million are likely to be exceptional. You are strongly advised to discuss with your Arts Council regional office the amount of funding for which you are applying. This sum should include any sum you are requesting for a development grant.

Development grants

If you are successful at stage one, we may also award you development funding to help you undertake the work required to develop your project to be ready for submission at stage two.

Development grants are made at our discretion. Further details can be found in our Guidance for stage one applicants - large capital grants document.

2. Stage two

If successful at stage one, you will need to read our guidance on how to make your stage two application and our assessment process. Please use the guidance for the round that you have applied for.  

Download the round one guidance
Download the round two guidance

You will also need to read the terms and conditions for our large-scale capital grants.

Successful stage one applicants will be sent a unique URL to complete a second application to secure a grant for the sum that we have, on a conditional basis, set aside. You can submit this at any time within 18 months of our stage one decision.

We will expect your capital plans to be at a detailed stage of development, and your designs to be developed to at least RIBA Design Stage D.

Full details on the two-stage application process can be found in our Guidance for stage one applicants - large capital grants document.