Do you have a creative idea you'd like to get off the ground? Looking for a little financial support to develop your practice, test a new project or bring an idea to life?
Applications are now open for the IW Creative Network Seed Fund 2026.
Application deadline: Sunday 27 September 2026, 12 noon
This year, we'll be awarding six Seed Fund grants of £450 to support Island creatives in developing their practice or kick-starting a creative project, event or activity.
Whether you're an emerging creative looking to take the next step, or an established practitioner wanting to explore a new concept, we'd love to hear from you.
What can the Seed Fund be used for?
Seed Fund grants are designed to help creatives move ideas forward. Funding could be used for things such as:
- Research and development
- Materials or equipment
- Professional development or training
- Venue or rehearsal space hire
- Collaborative projects
- Testing new work
- Exhibitions, performances or creative events
- Other activities that will help develop your creative practice
Please note: Seed Fund cannot be used as match funding for Arts Council England applications.
Image @jasminemettatruman
Who can apply?
Applications are welcome from:
- IW Creative Network members
- Individual creatives or collaborative groups (all group members must be IW Creative Network members)
- Creatives working in any discipline, including visual arts, craft, theatre, dance, music, writing, literature, film, photography, design, digital, community arts and interdisciplinary practice.
What are we looking for?
Applications will be assessed by our advisory panel, who will be looking for projects that are:
- Innovative and original
- Well considered and achievable
- Likely to make a meaningful difference to your creative development
We know that not every great idea starts fully formed. We're interested in supporting projects that have clear potential and where a relatively small amount of funding can make a significant difference.
Key Dates:
Applications open: Now!
Application deadline: Sunday 27 September 2026, 12 noon
Successful applicants announced: Monday 19 October 2026
CLICK HERE to complete the online application form.
You can also download a copy of the application questions in advance to help prepare your submission (for reference only – please do not submit this document). Click here to download the application questions.
If you have any questions or require support completing your application, please contact georgia@creativeisland.org.
Previous Recipients:
Last year's bursary programme supported a diverse range of creative ideas, from developing new theatre productions and immersive visual art projects to exploring new ways of working, purchasing specialist equipment and experimenting with new materials and processes.
Recipients included theatre-maker Hillard Morley and collaborators, who used their funding to develop a new stage adaptation; experimental photographer Jasmine Metta Truman, who explored our relationship with water through a new body of work; and porcelain artist Sue Paraskeva, who used the funding to adapt her practice, experiment with new creative processes and begin developing an ambitious fire-based performance.
Click here to read more on our 2025 recipients. Their individual projects demonstrated how a relatively small investment at the right moment can unlock new ideas, build confidence and create opportunities for creative growth.
