{"id":643,"date":"2025-05-27T23:20:02","date_gmt":"2025-05-27T22:20:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/irismag.uk\/?p=643"},"modified":"2025-06-04T11:35:02","modified_gmt":"2025-06-04T10:35:02","slug":"5-artist-grants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jusmedia.co.uk\/irismag\/2025\/05\/27\/5-artist-grants\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Grants and Residencies Every Emerging Artist Should Know About"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Finding financial support and space to grow as an artist can be daunting, especially when opportunities feel scattered or inaccessible. Whether you\u2019re fresh out of uni or developing your practice independently, these five UK-based grants and residencies can help take some of the financial pressure off and let you focus on what matters most: making art.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. The Fenton Arts Trust<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What it is:
A grant-making trust supporting early-career UK artists working across a range of disciplines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who it’s for:
Artists who have completed their formal training and are in the early stages of their professional careers. Not suitable for students still in university or training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What it offers:
Grants (usually under \u00a35,000) to support individual works, performances, activities, or prizes in the arts. In 2023\u201324, the Trust awarded 31 grants totalling \u00a3148,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why it\u2019s good:
It\u2019s straightforward funding that can be used flexibly, ideal for artists needing a financial boost to realise a specific project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to apply:
Visit the Fenton Arts Trust website<\/a> for application details and deadlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2. Freelands Foundation Artist Programme<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What it is:
A two-year residency and mentoring programme based outside of London, aimed at supporting artists and encouraging art education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who it\u2019s for:
Early-career artists based in the UK who are interested in collaboration, community, and developing their practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What it offers:
A residency with studio space, a mentor, help with travel\/living costs, and time to focus on your practice without pressure to produce outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why it\u2019s good:
It offers long-term support and a chance to build community and confidence through mentorship and peer exchange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to apply:
Check out the Freelands Foundation website<\/a> for eligibility and partner institutions across the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3. The Philip Bates Trust<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What it is:
A charitable trust supporting the creative development of young people under 25, with a focus on the West Midlands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who it\u2019s for:
Individuals under 25 or organisations working with young people in the arts – especially in the West Midlands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What it offers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n