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 Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

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

Daniel stood against a tree at sunset, holding a flute, with a forest and lake in the background.

How I Use AI as a Professional Musician — and Why I’m Still Cautious

In this honest and informative blog, composer, post-production specialist, tutor, flautist, and MU member Daniel Finch explores how musicians are using AI in their work—sharing insights from his own research and outlining the potential benefits, risks, and ethical challenges.

Published: 27 May 2025

Read more about How I Use AI as a Professional Musician — and Why I’m Still Cautious
Birdseye view of feet staring down at an EU flag on the ground, representing a border.

EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members

The MU welcomes early signs of progress on cultural mobility at the first EU-UK Summit, including youth mobility and faster border access, but calls for further action to ensure musicians are properly supported in post-Brexit negotiations.

Published: 21 May 2025

Read more about EU-UK Summit: Early Outcomes and What it Means for MU Members
A hand pressing an online vote button.

Vote in the MU Delegate Election 2025

Members in Scotland & Northern Ireland, Wales & South West England and North Of England regions have the chance to vote in the online ballot for who represents their region at Delegate Conference 2025.

Published: 21 May 2025

Read more about Vote in the MU Delegate Election 2025