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RFAs: British Art-Event Support Grant Program

Deadline: 31-Jan-2026

The Paul Mellon Centre offers the British Art-Event Support Grant to assist organisations hosting events in British art or architectural history. Grants cover costs such as venue hire, speaker fees, accessibility tools, and student participation, with a maximum award of £3,000. Events must take place within a year of the award, and reports documenting outcomes are required post-event.

Overview

The British Art-Event Support Grant Program supports events that advance scholarship, education, and inclusion in the study of British art and architectural history. The program funds lectures, conferences, workshops, seminars, and symposia across historical periods from the medieval era to the present day.

Key Focus Areas and Objectives

  • Event Costs: Venue hire, catering, printing, publicity, speaker travel, accommodation, and fees or honorariums

  • Accessibility and Inclusion: Live captioning, BSL translators, live streaming, wheelchair access, induction loops, and virtual event platforms

  • Scholarly Rigor: Academic originality, contribution to long-term scholarship, and engagement with previously unsupported geographical or cultural contexts

  • Impact and Diversity: Encouraging participation from under-represented voices and providing free or reduced-fee places for students

Eligible Event Types

  • Lectures, seminars, workshops, symposia, and conferences

  • Events must relate directly to British art or architectural history

  • Focus may include works made in Britain, by British artists, or related cultural histories

Funding and Grant Amount

  • Maximum grant: £3,000

  • Paid directly to the organisation in a single installment

  • Event must occur within one year of award and at least two months after the application deadline

Exclusions

  • Field archaeology projects

  • Contemporary architectural practice

  • Performing arts

  • Photography, performance, film, or digital media must demonstrate direct relevance to British art studies

Who is Eligible?

  • Individuals or groups conducting events in British art or architectural history

  • Applicants from under-represented backgrounds in the UK humanities are especially encouraged

  • Organisations must be capable of hosting and reporting on events within the specified timeframe

Why It Matters

The grant program:

  • Enhances the study and appreciation of British art across historical periods

  • Promotes inclusivity and diversity in scholarship and audiences

  • Enables organisations to deliver events that may otherwise be financially unfeasible

  • Supports the dissemination of knowledge, encouraging future publications, exhibitions, and research

How to Apply / How It Works

  1. Prepare Application:

    • Detail event plans, speakers, objectives, and expected outcomes

    • Include budget covering venue, travel, catering, accessibility, and student participation

  2. Submit Application:

    • Events must take place within 12 months of award notification

    • Minimum two months lead time after application deadline

  3. Funding Decision:

    • Grant awarded directly to the organisation in a single payment

  4. Event Execution:

    • Deliver the event according to the submitted plan

  5. Reporting:

    • Submit a comprehensive written report within three months of the event

    • Include details of speakers, papers, attendance, and outcomes

    • Share future outputs such as publications or exhibitions with the Centre

Common Mistakes and Tips

  • Do not submit events unrelated to British art or architectural history

  • Ensure accessibility and inclusivity measures are explicitly included

  • Avoid requesting funds for excluded categories such as archaeology or performing arts without clear relevance

  • Provide a detailed timeline and budget for review

  • Acknowledge the Paul Mellon Centre in event materials and reporting

FAQ

1. What types of events are eligible?
Lectures, workshops, seminars, symposia, and conferences focused on British art or architectural history.

2. What is the maximum grant amount?
£3,000 per event, paid directly to the organisation.

3. Can digital media projects apply?
Yes, if the project clearly relates to British art studies.

4. Are students included in funding priorities?
Yes, free or reduced-fee places for students are encouraged.

5. When must the event take place?
Within one year of the award and at least two months after the application deadline.

6. What reporting is required after the event?
A written report within three months, including speakers, attendance, and outcomes, plus sharing future publications or exhibitions.

7. Who is encouraged to apply?
Individuals and groups under-represented in UK humanities, as well as organisations capable of delivering accessible and inclusive events.

Conclusion

The Paul Mellon Centre’s British Art-Event Support Grant fosters accessible, inclusive, and high-quality scholarship in British art and architectural history. By funding lectures, workshops, and conferences, the program supports the dissemination of knowledge, encourages diverse participation, and strengthens long-term academic and cultural impact.

For more information, visit Paul Mellon Centre.