skip to main content

Application Feedback and Guidance for the ‘Developing Your Creative Practice’ fund

We've extended our grant application advice to now cover Developing Your Creative Practice applications, as well as continuing to offer advice on ACE National Lottery Project Grants.

Published: 26 October 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 14 May 2021 | 12:57 PM
Photograph of a woman performing on a small stage, the lighting around her is blue with streaks of yellow - we can't see the audience.
Many freelance musicians are looking to replace lost income due to Covid-19, but not all musicians feel confident about navigating through the funding process

Arts Council England (ACE) re-opened the Project Grants in July 2020, and are currently accepting applications. The current terms of the Developing Your Creative Practice’ (DYCP) fund are in place until October 2021, with a budget of £26m.

Naturally, many freelance musicians are looking to replace lost income due to Covid-19, but not all musicians feel confident about navigating through the funding process.

Advice on your drafted applications

The MU is offering support for members who are applying for Project Grants or to the DYCP fund. Once you have finished drafting your application form, you can send it to us in order that an independent funding advisor can check it prior to you submitting it.

This process will help to ensure that you have answered all of the questions and haven't omitted any vital information. Feedback and pointers will be given on a question-by-question basis to help strengthen your application.

The feedback won't be creative or comment upon the viability of your ideas – it is primarily to ensure that the application form has been completed satisfactorily. This will be particularly useful for those new to the funding process, but will also be beneficial to those who have some experience with ACE or other funders.

Applications you would like to be reviewed should be sent to funding@theMU.org.

If you’re considering applying to the DYCP fund, you may find our recently published “A Guide to the ‘Developing Your Creative Practice’ Fund,” article by Jess Partridge a useful source of advice.

You may also find our “Guide to Applying for an ACE Project Grant,” article by Jess Partridge a useful source of advice.

For more information, or for feedback on your application, e-mail funding@theMU.org.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Two young female street musicians, one playing acoustic guitar and the other an accordian.

Deadline Approaching for Funding From Alan Surtees Trust 

The Alan Surtees Trust makes up to four awards of £2,000 annually to support performers aged 16 to 30 with projects rooted in, or influenced by, folk or traditional music of all cultures. The deadline for applications is April 30.

Published: 15 April 2024

Read more about Deadline Approaching for Funding From Alan Surtees Trust