Aims/priorities: Research and Development (R&D) for Individuals is a time-limited funding priority within the Developing your Creative Practice (DYCP) programme. It has been introduced while the Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP) fund is paused until April 2026.
A total of £7.5 million from the DYCP budget has been allocated to support individuals through the £30,000 and under strand of NLPG. This funding is intended for creative and cultural practitioners who wish to develop their practice through research and development activity.
R&D projects may involve developing new ideas or exploring new ways of working. The structure, duration and focus of each project will vary depending on the individual’s practice and aims. This investment is designed to support personal creative development and contribute to a stronger cultural sector.
Who can apply? The programme is open to individual creative and cultural practitioners in England who are working in supported disciplines:
- Music
- Theatre
- Dance
- Visual Arts
- Literature
- Libraries
- Combined Arts
- Museums practice
Small groups of practitioners who usually collaborate may also apply, with one person acting as the lead applicant and managing the grant.
Applicants must be based in England or elsewhere in the UK and must be at least 18 years old. Those who have previously received or applied for a Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP) grant are eligible to apply. The usual DYCP restrictions on the number of applications do not apply to this time-limited priority.
Grant amount: Applicants can request between £1,000 and £30,000 through the programme. Individuals are advised to apply only for the amount required for their project. For research and development projects for individuals, most grants awarded are expected to be up to £12,000.
Application process: Applications are made online.
More information is available at the Arts Council England website.
Deadline: Thursday, 26 February 2026.
Contact information: Email: enquiries@artscouncil.org.uk
Website: Research and Development for Individuals | Arts Council England