Grant access?

How easy is it to get funding? I’m a recent photography graduate and have lots of ambitious ideas, however, I don’t have the finances behind me to carry them out. Do you have any advice for a newbie on the block?

Daniel Smith

Daniel, the good news is, yes, there is funding and financial help available for the arts and photographers out there, whatever your experience. However, be under no illusions that it is easy to get. You have to be prepared to put in hard work with there being no guarantee of financial assistance at the end.

Projects that may be more enticing to the application approvers are ones that are beneficial to the community and society, and have historical, cultural or social value, so think about how your project will be seen by, and benefit, others.

There are many grants available and for those in the UK, the Arts Council is a good place to start. Grants range from £1,000 to £100,000 and are ongoing. Find out more at www.artscouncil.org.uk. Other useful links for grant resources include: www.fundingforartists.org.uk/ artists and www.rps.org/opportunities.

Also, see artist and photographer Carolyn Mendelsohn’s answers on the next page for further advice. Good luck!