Earlier this year Sunderland Culture launched a new strand of its Unlock programme, which began in 2018, to grow Sunderland’s cultural industries, offering support for established and emerging creative practitioners and businesses.
Now a second round of Unlock grant funding for creative enterprise has been announced.
Independent creative practitioners, businesses and organisations based in Sunderland are invited to apply for a grant of £1,000 – £2,500 to help improve the performance of their creative businesses.
The programme is delivered by Sunderland Culture on behalf of University of Sunderland’s Innovate and Grow project, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
To be eligible, applicants must be 18 or over; have a home or business address registered in Sunderland; be registered with HMRC and have been trading for at least 12 months; have a bank account in the same name they are applying in; demonstrate a professional track record and be able to evidence how the grant will benefit the business.
Applicants must also be committed to completing relevant paperwork and meetings; be able to complete grant activity by February 28, 2025 and cannot already have received support from the UKSPF-funded Unlock programme.
For the purposes of the Unlock support, creative industries are defined broadly as a business with creativity at its heart – for example design, music, publishing, architecture, film and video, crafts, visual arts, fashion, TV and radio, advertising, literature, computer games and the performing arts.
Laura Brewis, who is managing Unlock for Sunderland Culture, explained: “The Unlock Creative Development Grants will offer independent creative practitioners, businesses and organisations support to help improve the performance of their creative business.
“We are particularly interested in applications which focus on introducing a new technology or process or improving a technology or process within your business, or accessing a new market to support your business.
“Examples could include taking time to attend a conference or event to build your businesses networks; helping with costs towards new equipment or technology; developing a new website or marketing materials; piloting a new product, workshop or commercial activity, or helping to access advice and support on developing your creative organisation (for example, fundraising, marketing or governance).
“This is a competitive programme and we anticipate receiving more applications than we are able to fund so would-be beneficiaries should feel free to email us questions about their idea or proposal.”
Nick Malyan, Chief Executive at Sunderland Culture, added: “We recognise the incredible impact that artists and creatives have on our city – and the potential to do even more. Creative businesses, cultural organisations and self-employed practitioners need support to sustain and grow their work, and our new round of Unlock shows the commitment within the city to see them thrive.”
The deadline for submitting the application is Friday, November 8, 5pm and decisions will be taken by Friday, November 22 – this date may be delayed depending on the volume of applications.
To apply for the Unlock Creative Development Grant, go to Sunderland Culture’s website to view the full guidance and criteria, and complete the online application form: www.sunderlandculture.org.uk/unlock
If you would like to discuss you application prior to submission, email laura.brewis@sunderlandculture.org.uk to arrange a meeting.