The North East Fund for the Arts is now open for applications, offering grants of up to £2,000 to support communities to access high‑quality, professional arts activities.
The fund aims to enable communities to engage with the arts on their own terms, whether that is experiencing arts activity for the first time, developing existing engagement, or inspiring participants to explore further creative opportunities. All art forms are welcome.
Applications are open to community organisations and arts organisations working in partnership, with priority given to projects that demonstrate longer‑term impact and community involvement. One‑off or stand‑alone events are unlikely to be successful. Freelance artists cannot apply directly, although projects may include them where appropriate.
The fund is available to organisations working across County Durham, Tees Valley, Gateshead, Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland. The closing date for applications is 27 April 2026.