Deadline: 02-Jul-2026
Applications are now open for the Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP) Fund, supporting creative and cultural practitioners in England to develop their practice and skills. The programme provides funding for professional development activities that help practitioners improve their creative and cultural skills, experiment with new approaches, take creative risks, and strengthen future opportunities.
About the Program
The Developing Your Creative Practice Fund supports activities that enable practitioners to grow creatively and professionally.
The programme focuses on:
- Professional development
- Creative skills development
- Experimentation with new approaches
- Creative risk-taking
- Reaching new audiences
- Building professional networks
- Learning new skills
- Research and exploration
- Practice development
- Strengthening future opportunities
- Collaboration and exchange
- Business development
The fund encourages practitioners to invest in their own development and expand their creative practice.
Program Objectives
The programme seeks to:
- Improve creative and cultural skills
- Support experimentation and innovation
- Encourage creative risk-taking
- Help practitioners connect with new audiences
- Strengthen professional networks
- Enable research and learning opportunities
- Support the development of artistic practice
- Build professional confidence and capacity
- Enhance future career opportunities
- Encourage sustainable creative careers
Activities should demonstrate a clear contribution to the applicant’s development.
Eligible Activities
Funding may support:
- Skills development and training
- Networking opportunities
- Experimentation and creative exploration
- Research activities
- Travel related to professional development
- Collaborative activities
- Business development support
- Learning opportunities
- Audience development initiatives
- Activities that strengthen creative practice
Projects should clearly explain how the proposed activities will benefit the applicant’s future work.
Funding Information
Applicants may request:
- Between £2,000 and £12,000
Additional support is available for:
- Personal access costs
Eligible activities must:
- Last no longer than one year
Funding should be directly related to the applicant’s professional development.
Eligible Disciplines
The programme supports practitioners working in:
- Dance
- Libraries
- Music
- Museums
- Theatre
- Digital arts
- Visual arts
- Literature
- Combined arts
Applicants should demonstrate an active connection to their chosen discipline.
Eligible Applicants
The programme is open to:
- Individual creative practitioners
- Individual cultural practitioners
- Small groups working together
Applicants must:
- Live in England
- Be aged 18 or over
- Have been making art outside school for at least one year
- Have a bank account
The programme is intended for practitioners seeking to develop their professional practice.
Application Requirements
Applicants are expected to provide:
- Details of the proposed activity
- An explanation of how the activity will support their development
- Information on the expected outcomes
- A realistic plan for delivering the activity within one year
- A funding request within the eligible range
Applications should clearly explain why the proposed activity is important at this stage of the applicant’s career.
Expected Outcomes
Supported activities should contribute to:
- Improved creative and professional skills
- Increased confidence in practice
- Stronger professional networks
- Expanded opportunities for collaboration
- Development of new ideas and approaches
- Greater audience engagement
- Enhanced career prospects
- Sustainable professional growth
The programme encourages activities that create long-term benefits for practitioners.
Assessment Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- The potential of the activity to create significant positive change in the applicant’s practice
- The strength and quality of the proposed plan
- The suitability of the timing of the activity
The expected impact on the applicant’s development is a key consideration during assessment.
Why This Program Matters
Creative practitioners often require dedicated time and resources to develop new skills, test ideas, and build professional relationships. Professional development opportunities can strengthen resilience, increase confidence, and open pathways to future opportunities.
The Developing Your Creative Practice Fund supports practitioners in investing in their growth, helping them build sustainable careers and continue contributing to England’s creative and cultural sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Developing Your Creative Practice Fund?
- The fund supports professional development activities that help creative and cultural practitioners strengthen and develop their practice.
Who can apply?
- Individual practitioners and small groups working together who live in England and meet the eligibility requirements.
How much funding is available?
- Applicants may request between £2,000 and £12,000, with additional support available for personal access costs.
Which disciplines are eligible?
- Dance, libraries, music, museums, theatre, digital arts, visual arts, literature, and combined arts.
How long can funded activities last?
- Activities must be completed within one year.
What types of activities can be funded?
- Skills development, networking, experimentation, research, travel, collaboration, business development, and other activities that support professional growth.
Can applicants apply to both DYCP and National Lottery Project Grants?
- No. Applicants cannot apply simultaneously to both programmes.
Conclusion
The Developing Your Creative Practice Fund provides creative and cultural practitioners in England with an opportunity to strengthen their skills, explore new ideas, and invest in their professional development. Through support for learning, experimentation, collaboration, and career growth, the programme helps practitioners build sustainable and rewarding creative futures.
For more information, visit Arts Council England.