Information about arts and culture funding and how to apply.
Cultural Investment Programme (CIP) 2023 to 2027
Originators 2025 to 2026 Fund and Imagination 2025 to 2027 Fund update
Bristol City Council is facing a budget gap of about £52 million. Several savings proposals have been put forward across the council, which included the Cultural Investment Programme having a phased reduction over 3 years by making no further new commitments, but honouring the existing grant agreements.
On 25 February 2025, the Full Council met to approve the council’s 2025/26 budget. Following this meeting, the proposal for the Cultural Investment Programme has been deferred for 12 months to enable a review of alternative funding options.
This means the Originators and Imagination funds will not be opening as usual this year.
If your organisation already has funding, you will continue to receive grant payments as per your agreement.
You can find more information in the pdf full statement(120 KB) .
You can also find the full details of the council’s approved budget and spending plans.
If you have any questions, email artsdevelopment@bristol.gov.uk
Through the Cultural Investment Programme 2023 to 2027, we'll provide grants for Bristol-based organisations and individuals to deliver arts and culture activities, events or festivals. We'll offer both project specific grants and unrestricted funding.
Our vision is to make arts and culture accessible for all citizens.
We've used our learning from the last round of the Cultural Investment Programme (2018 to 2023), and feedback from Bristol's cultural sector to inform and improve how we distribute funding over the next four years.
The Cultural Investment Programme 2023 to 2027:
- has a total grant budget of £2,442,240
- consists of three funds:
- Originators (1 year)
- Imagination (2 years)
- Openness (4 years)
Cultural Investment Programme: Originators Fund
Previously funded projects
Find out about the pdf 40 projects being supported with Originators funding, 2024 to 2025(138 KB) .
Cultural Investment Programme: Imagination Fund
Previously funded projects
Find out about the pdf 11 funded organisations being supported with Imagination funding, 2024 to 2026(239 KB) .
Cultural Investment Programme: Openness
Previously funded projects
Find out about the pdf 15 organisations being supported with Openness funding, 2024 to 2027(143 KB) .
City Centre and High Streets Economic Recovery Culture and Events Programme
Through the City Centre and High Streets Economic Recovery Culture and Events Programme, we're investing in the culture and events sector to:
- support Bristol's city centre and high streets
- help the recovery of the culture and events sector
- re-establish the city's reputation for creativity and imagination following the impacts of COVID-19
Find out more on the City Centre and High Streets Economic Recovery Culture and Events Programme Go to index.php?Itemid=2182 (opens new window) webpage.
Event planning support
For information on how to apply for Site Permissions to hold an event in Bristol, visit our Hold an event in a park, open space or street.
Contact us
Email: cityartsfunds@bristol.gov.uk
Twitter: @Brisarts_events
Join our mailing list
Sign up to our Culture and Creative Industries mailing list.
This way we can send you monthly updates about:
- arts and events
- opportunities
- funding