Arts Council reopens National Lottery funding scheme

The Arts Council is making £59.8m worth of funding available after reopening its National Lottery grant-making scheme as Covid-19 lockdown measures ease.

It has announced that its National Lottery Project Grants (NLPG) will reopen on 22 July until April 2021.

Funding is available to creative and cultural projects that benefit the public. Due to its suspension during the Covid-19 pandemic the reopening has been “prioritised” so that funding can be distributed “as quickly and efficiently as possible”.

The money can be used to deliver short-term projects as well as longer term initiatives, such as research and development.



The NLPG was one of a number of funding streams that had been suspended by the Arts Council during the pandemic as it focused on emergency funding measures.

When it reopens the NLPG will be subject to changes to reflect the needs of smaller organisations bidding for money. This includes relaxing its 10% match funding condition.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve seen how much of a positive difference creative people and organisations make to communities across England,” said
Arts Council chief executive Darren Henley.

“Thanks to National Lottery players, we’ve been able to support our nation’s creativity over the past few months through our Emergency Response Funds.

“Now, we’re turning our attention to rebuilding cultural and artistic life in our villages, towns and cities through this £59.8 million National Lottery Project Grants investment in artists, arts organisations, museums and libraries.”

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