Information about arts and culture funding and how to apply.

Cultural Investment Programme (CIP) 2023 to 2027 

Through the Cultural Investment Programme 2023 to 2027, we'll provide grants for Bristol-based organisations and individuals to deliver arts and culture activities, events or festivals. We'll offer both project specific grants and unrestricted funding. 

Our vision is to make arts and culture accessible for all citizens.

We've used our learning from the last round of the Cultural Investment Programme (2018 to 2023), and feedback from Bristol's cultural sector to inform and improve how we distribute funding over the next four years.

pdf Read the Cultural Investment Programme 2023 to 2027 Overview Go to index.php?option=com_docman&view=document&alias=1103-bd13958-a-cultural-investment-prog-2023-27-v3-p8&category_slug=documents&Itemid=159 (opens new window) (1.83 MB)

pdf Read the Cultural Investment Programme 2023-27 Overview Easy Read version Go to index.php?option=com_docman&view=document&alias=1139-cipo-easyread-23-27&category_slug=documents&Itemid=159 (opens new window) (1.48 MB) .

The Cultural Investment Programme 2023 to 2027: 

  • has a total grant budget of £2,442,240
  • consists of three funds: 
    • Originators (1 year)
    • Imagination (2 years)
    • Openness (4 years)

Originators 2025 to 2026 Fund and Imagination 2025 to 2027 Fund update

The decision has been taken to delay opening any new application process for the Cultural Investment Programme until the contents of the Autumn Statement from central government are known on the 30 October 2024.

We understand that many of you will be eager to submit bids as soon as possible and this update will be disappointing news. When we have further information, we will update you.

On 30 October, the government will announce its first Autumn Budget and release details of future funding settlements for local government.

The content of this statement is expected to have significant implications for the financing of local government and the services that depend on funds from local councils.

The financial challenges facing the council are well documented and impacts all areas of the authority and at all levels. Strict financial controls have had to be put in place to ensure a detailed view of all spend and income is available to help forecast our future financial health. This is part of the due diligence in place ahead of setting the next council budget in February 2025.

This pause in opening a new application window will ensure that a full scope of financial information is available to us to forecast future spend and income requirements. 

Cultural Investment Programme: Originators Fund

Previously funded projects

Find out about the pdf 40 projects being supported with Originators funding, 2024 to 2025 (138 KB) .

Cultural Investment Programme: Imagination Fund

Previously funded projects

Find out about the pdf 11 funded organisations being supported with Imagination funding, 2024 to 2026 (239 KB) .

Cultural Investment Programme: Openness

Previously funded projects

Find out about the  pdf 15 organisations being supported with Openness funding, 2024 to 2027 (143 KB) .

City Centre and High Streets Economic Recovery Culture and Events Programme

Through the City Centre and High Streets Economic Recovery Culture and Events Programme, we're investing in the culture and events sector to:

  • support Bristol's city centre and high streets
  • help the recovery of the culture and events sector
  • re-establish the city's reputation for creativity and imagination following the impacts of COVID-19

Find out more on the City Centre and High Streets Economic Recovery Culture and Events Programme Go to index.php?Itemid=2182 (opens new window) webpage.

Event planning support

For information on how to apply for Site Permissions to hold an event in Bristol, visit our Hold an event in a park, open space or street.

Contact us

Email: cityartsfunds@bristol.gov.uk

Twitter: @Brisarts_events

Join our mailing list 

Sign up to our Culture and Creative Industries mailing list.

This way we can send you monthly updates about: 

  • arts and events
  • opportunities
  • funding

Contact information

Arts and Events Team

Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Queens Road
Bristol, BS8 1RL
Email: cityartsfunds@bristol.gov.uk