The purpose of the Fund
Applications to this fund are accepted on a rolling basis
PHF is interested in ensuring that a wider and more diverse group of people have access to quality artistic practice. PHF want to use our funding to support organisations to test, implement and develop ambitious plans to widen access to and deepen participation in the arts. It will not be enough to simply increase numbers – our emphasis is on addressing inequalities of opportunity and creating space to step back and look at the systemic problems preventing participation. We want to help organisations to build stronger evidence about what works so that they can improve practice and achieve greater impact.
PHF will consider applications for:
- New ways of working, or work with new audiences and participants that aim to uncover alternative models of engagement – together with a strong commitment to learning about these approaches and sharing your learning
- Work that involves any of the following: crafts, dance, design, digital arts and media, film, literature (including creative writing and poetry), music, opera, photography, theatre, the visual arts, and cross-arts practices
- Work that is focused on improving access to the arts as a social good in itself, promoting enjoyment, increased attendance and participation by people facing disadvantage and inequality of access
- Work that is focused on increasing arts access for people who may face barriers to participation due to disability or a health condition. For detailed guidance on our current approach to supporting arts and health initiatives, please see ‘What won’t we fund’
- Work that uses access to and participation in the arts to promote social justice (e.g. by achieving outcomes such as personal development, employability, educational attainment, social development, community cohesion, well-being, etc.)
- Work that develops excellence in participatory practice for example, by including an element of training for artists working in participatory settings
- Work that supports organisations to embed digital solutions in widening access and participation in the arts
