Deadline: 26-Jun-2026
The Art Fund Paid Work Experience Grant provides UK museums, galleries, and visual arts organisations with funding of up to £10,000 to offer paid work experience to full-time university students. The program aims to develop the next generation of arts professionals, enhance workforce diversity, and strengthen engagement with youth and student audiences.
Programme Overview
This grant supports cultural organisations in providing meaningful, paid work experience to full-time university students pursuing careers in the arts. The objectives include:
- Offering hands-on, professional experience in arts-related careers
- Strengthening organisational knowledge of youth and student engagement
- Promoting diversity and inclusion within cultural sector teams
- Supporting the development of a fit-for-purpose workforce
The programme ensures students gain practical skills and insight into career pathways, while organisations benefit from motivated contributors who can assist in delivering projects.
Funding Details
- Grant amount: Up to £10,000
- Funding coverage: Can cover 100% of student payment costs
- Purpose: To enable organisations to provide fair and meaningful paid opportunities without financial burden
Eligible Applicants
- Public museums, galleries, libraries, archives, historic houses, and visual arts organisations in the United Kingdom
- Organisations must have:
- A physical presence open to the public, or
- Deliver outcomes accessible to the public (e.g., festivals, public art projects)
- Must adhere to recognised sector standards and best practices
Ineligible Applicants
- Profit-making entities (private/public limited companies, unlimited companies, sole traders)
- Partnerships and other commercial organisations
- Artist groups, healthcare settings, and places of worship
How to Apply
- Confirm your organisation’s eligibility
- Prepare a proposal including:
- Overview of the work experience placement
- Number of students to be supported
- Roles and responsibilities for students
- Expected outcomes for both students and the organisation
- Submit the application through the Art Fund portal before the deadline
Expected Outcomes
- Paid, hands-on work experience for university students
- Increased student engagement with arts organisations
- Enhanced diversity and inclusivity in cultural sector teams
- Strengthened organisational capacity to support youth talent
Tips for Applicants
- Clearly define the student role and learning outcomes
- Demonstrate how the placement will benefit both students and the organisation
- Highlight commitment to inclusion and diversity in your team
- Ensure adherence to best practice standards within the sector
FAQ
Q1: What is the maximum grant amount?
A1: Up to £10,000, which can cover 100% of student payment costs.
Q2: Who can apply?
A2: Public museums, galleries, libraries, archives, historic houses, and other UK-based visual arts organisations with public access or outcomes.
Q3: Are commercial organisations eligible?
A3: No. Profit-making entities, partnerships, sole traders, artist groups, healthcare settings, and places of worship are not eligible.
Q4: What is the main purpose of the grant?
A4: To provide paid work experience to full-time university students while strengthening diversity and workforce capacity in cultural organisations.
Q5: Can the grant fund more than one student?
A5: Yes, the grant can cover multiple students if the total costs remain within the £10,000 limit.
Q6: Is student payment mandatory?
A6: Yes, the grant is intended to support paid placements, ensuring fair compensation.
Q7: How does this benefit organisations?
A7: Organisations gain motivated contributors, enhance youth engagement, and strengthen diversity and inclusivity within their teams.
Conclusion
The Art Fund Paid Work Experience Grant enables UK cultural organisations to invest in future arts professionals, providing students with meaningful work experience while enhancing organisational capacity, diversity, and community engagement.
For more information, visit Art Fund.
