National Forest Arts Grants reopen for second round of applications

We’re pleased to announce that after a successful pilot this year we are reopening our National Forest Arts Grants for applications on Tuesday 7th December, to support the creative community in and around the National Forest.  

We are looking to support creatives to develop and pilot new projects inspired by the Forest and in response to one or more of the following themes - Nature, Health & Wellbeing, Sense of Place, Sustainability and Climate Action. The scheme is looking for projects that offer new approaches to creatively connecting people with the Forest either through the development process or the sharing and celebration of the work.  

The funding is open to any art form, including but not restricted to, visual arts, performing arts, crafts, lens-based media, digital arts and socially engaged practice. The scheme is to support creative activity to be delivered within the 200 square miles of the National Forest and applications are welcomed from artists, creative practitioners, arts organisations and community groups who based in or can demonstrate an existing connection to the Forest.  

We hope to award six grants of up to £3000, to be delivered between 31 January – 16 September 2022.   

Jo Maker, Festival and Arts Officer for the NFC, said: “We had the privilege to support some excellent work through the first round of arts grants. Local people had the opportunity to experience the Forest in new and surprising ways, from podcasts, printed booklets and songs each exploring our connection to nature, to a mobile exhibition which toured the Forest by bicycle. We’re excited to see what new ideas come forward this year!”  

Proposals should reflect the values of the National Forest which are centred around the belief that tackling climate change is urgent and sustainability is achievable. Only by working together with nature can society and the economy thrive.  

If suitable, selected projects will have the opportunity to be part of the programme at Timber festival (1-3 July 2022). timberfestival.org.uk 

Find out more about National Forest Arts Grants and apply, here.