Deadline: 01-Sep-2026
The Derbyshire Makes Creative and Community Grant supports individuals, businesses, and community groups in Derbyshire to deliver creative making projects that encourage participation in craft, design, and visual arts. It offers funding between £300 and £2,000 for workshops, exhibitions, participatory activities, and community-based creative initiatives that promote engagement, skills development, and sustainability in making.
What is the Derbyshire Makes Creative and Community Grant?
The Derbyshire Makes Creative and Community Grant is a local funding scheme designed to support creative making activities across Derbyshire, UK.
It is part of the wider Derbyshire Makes programme, which celebrates making through events, festivals, and community engagement across hub towns such as Bolsover, Chesterfield, Cromford, Glossop, Heanor, and Swadlincote.
Purpose of the Grant
The grant aims to:
- Increase public participation in making activities
- Improve skills in craft, design, and visual arts
- Promote sustainable and environmentally conscious making
- Support community-led creative engagement
- Strengthen local cultural identity through making practices
Key Focus Areas
Creative making and participation
- Craft, design, and visual arts activities
- Community-based creative projects
- Participatory workshops and sessions
- Making-themed talks and performances
Skills and development
- Training and creative skill-building
- Networking opportunities for makers
- Artist-led workshops and mentoring
Community and public engagement
- High street and window dressing projects
- Community exhibitions and installations
- Commissioning artists to work with groups
Sustainability in making
- Eco-friendly and sustainable making practices
- Resource-conscious creative production
Funding Details
- Funding range: £300 to £2,000
- Supports small-scale creative and community projects
- Cannot be used for:
- Capital costs
- Core running costs
- Advertising or marketing
- Website development
- Grants to other organisations
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants:
- Residents of Derbyshire with a UK postal address
- Traders or businesses based in Derbyshire
- Registered companies, sole traders, charities, CICs, and community groups
Requirements:
- Must have a UK bank account
- Must have a dedicated organisational or business account
Restrictions:
- Derby city residents/businesses are not eligible unless collaborating with a Derbyshire-based applicant
- Religious organisations or politically sensitive activities may be excluded if deemed inappropriate
Eligible Activities
The grant supports:
- Creative workshops and participatory art sessions
- Craft and design-based community projects
- Public exhibitions and installations
- Artist commissions working with communities
- Creative training and networking events
- Festival-related activities and making showcases
- Public engagement through visual displays and performances
What is NOT Funded
- Capital expenditure
- Core organisational running costs
- Advertising or website-related expenses
- Regranting to other organisations
How the Grant Works
- Applicants design a creative making-based project
- Application is submitted to the Derbyshire Makes programme
- Eligibility and funding criteria are reviewed
- Selected projects receive funding between £300–£2,000
- Projects are delivered within Derbyshire communities
- Activities contribute to wider Derbyshire Makes festival and engagement programme
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without a clear “making” or creative focus
- Requesting funding for ineligible costs (e.g., websites or core costs)
- Lack of community participation element
- Not meeting Derbyshire residency or business requirements
- Weak explanation of project impact or engagement
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly define how your project involves “making”
- Emphasize community participation and inclusion
- Show creativity, innovation, and accessibility
- Include sustainable or eco-friendly approaches
- Link your project to local Derbyshire communities or hub towns
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Derbyshire Makes Creative and Community Grant?
- It is a funding programme supporting creative making activities in Derbyshire
- Focuses on craft, design, visual arts, and community engagement
- How much funding is available?
- Between £300 and £2,000 per project
- Who can apply?
- Derbyshire residents, businesses, charities, CICs, and community groups
- Must have a UK postal address and bank account
- What kinds of projects are supported?
- Workshops, exhibitions, participatory art sessions
- Community making projects and artist commissions
- Creative skill-building and networking activities
- What is not funded?
- Capital costs and core running costs
- Advertising and website expenses
- Grants to other organisations
- Can Derby city applicants apply?
- Only if collaborating with a Derbyshire-based applicant acting as lead
Conclusion
The Derbyshire Makes Creative and Community Grant supports accessible, community-driven creative projects that promote making across Derbyshire. By funding small-scale arts and craft initiatives, it strengthens local creativity, participation, and cultural engagement across the region.
For more information, visit Derbyshire County Council.