We are looking for a national provider to deliver a programme of activity running from April 2013 to June 2016 which will help the arts and cultural sector to engage successfully with public sector strategic commissioning opportunities.

The Cultural commissioning grant responds to the changing public service sector landscape in which local councils are reducing the services they deliver directly and are commissioning them from external providers. Visit our useful links and resources page to help you better understand strategic commissioning in a public sector service context. 

The initiative also supports the arts and cultural sector to become more sustainable, resilient and innovative, one of the goals outlined in our 10-year plan.

The programme is one of our grant commissions, which is part of our strategic funding programme.

Aims and outcomes

Cultural commissioning will specifically support the arts and cultural sector to collaborate with public sector services and contribute to the health, wellbeing, social and economic outcomes and priorities of local communities, councils and health authorities.

We expect the activity undertaken through this grant to address the following objectives:

  • enable organisations to diversify and increase their income streams by responding to public sector strategic commissioning opportunities
  • support an increase in audience or participant numbers for arts and culture
  • lead to the creation of high quality artistic work in a public service context
  • create a greater understanding amongst public service commissioners of the potential for arts and culture to deliver their outcomes
  • support policy development relating to strategic commissioning so that it takes more account of arts and culture

Amount of funding available

A grant of up to £895,000 is available for the period April 2013 to June 2016. The funding is allocated from both Grant in aid and Lottery budgets.

Key dates

  • 17 January - fund opens for application
  • 26 February - deadline for applications
  • mid-late April - successful applicant is notified
  • April 2013 - Cultural commissioning programme begins