Art Fund: Acquisition Grants
Overview
They support the purchase of works of art and other objects of artistic interest dating from antiquity to the present day.
They can also support the commission and acquisition of important new work, and they welcome proposals for exceptional projects with significant public impact.
Grants can range from a few hundred pounds, to hundreds of thousands.
What can they fund
- Objects of national and international importance, including high- value items subject to temporary export licence deferral or being offered with tax remission
- Objects of significant regional interest judged to be of good museum quality
- Objects which will artistically enrich collections and support the expansion and development of new areas of collecting
Who can apply
They will consider applications from UK public museums, galleries, historic houses, libraries and archives that are:
- open for at least half the week for at least six months of the year
- at least provisionally accredited under the Arts Council Accreditation Scheme
For full eligibility details please see the Guidance for applicants.
Funding Streams
Main grants
- Grant requests of above £7,500 and/or where the total cost of the work is more than £15,000
- Next application deadline: These applications are decided at each of their five trustees' meetings per year. Please get in touch for further information.
- Decision by: A decision will be made within one week after the trustees’ meeting.
- Application rounds: February, May, July, October and December
Small grants
- Grant requests of £7,500 or less where the total cost of the work is £15,000 or less
- Next application deadline: They consider these applications on a rolling basis. There is no strict deadline.
- Decision by: Approximately 6-8 weeks from date of submission
Auctions
- Any amount
- Time-critical applications of any size for works coming up for sale at auction
- Next application deadline: These applications are time-sensitive, so there is no strict deadline.
- Decision by: Approximately 10 working days for auctions outside of London, 7 working days for auctions within London
Commissions
Commissions can be considered on a case by case basis under either the main or small grant funding streams. All commissions must be discussed prior to beginning an application so that they understand fully the scope of the work, commissioning process and your plans for long-term display, care and access. If we agree to accept an application there is a specific application form that will be released to you to complete and submit.
What they will support
They can assist with the purchase of works of art and other objects of artistic interest, dating from antiquity to the present day. Within this broad category our criteria include:
- Objects of national and international importance, including high value items subject to temporary export licence deferral or being offered with tax remission.
- Objects of significant regional interest judged to be of good museum quality.
- Objects which will artistically enrich collections and support the expansion and development of new areas of collecting.
- Objects where there is associated touring or public programme linked to the acquisition.
Who they will support
They will consider applications from UK public museums, galleries, historic houses, libraries and archives that are:
- open for at least half the week for at least six months of the year
- at least provisionally accredited under the Arts Council Accreditation Scheme
For full eligibility details please see the Guidance for applicants.