FEAST offers a variety of grants aimed at supporting arts and cultural activities across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The projects we support create a lasting and positive impact on local communities, bringing people together and fostering a greater sense of pride of place.
What do we fund?
Artys Kemeneth (Open Smaller) grants are for £500 – £1,000 to support projects that are deeply embedded within a community. We expect to see clear evidence that the projects are wanted or needed by the community, with strong existing relationships in place. We cannot fund artistic or organisational development that isn’t part of a community-led project.
For this level of grant, we do not expect projects to involve a large number of artists or participants. Unless there is significant match funding, projects should include no more than two artists, who must be paid at the Artist Union rate. Don’t forget, applications for £500 or less do not require match funding.
If you are utilising interns as part of your project, the panel will expect to see that some form of remuneration is provided and that there is a clear explanation of the learning and development opportunities available.
Don’t go too big, keep it small but mighty!
The Application Process
We have three grant rounds a year – the dates for 2025 are below:
| Applications received between | Review & Project Chats | Decision date |
| 12 March – 26 March | April | May |
| 14 May – 25 June | July | 23rd July |
| 13 August – 24 September | October | 22nd October |
Who can apply?
The great thing about FEAST grants is that there are no real limitations on who can apply. You could be an artist, individual, community leader, charity, community group or organisation.
What can’t we fund?
So here’s the small print, there are some limitations on what we can fund. We’re not able to fund:
- Capital purchases. If you’re looking to buy a 3-D printer, a laptop or a camera for your community, unfortunately we won’t be able to help.
- Core costs. Artys Kemeneth can support the set up or testing of a new group or project idea, but we are unable to fund the ongoing costs.
- Support costs e.g. management and administration: Artys Kemeneth can only fund support costs that relate directly to the delivery of the specific project.
- Projects with long lead times. Artys Kemeneth funded projects must be completed within 12 months of the final decision date.
- Projects with very short lead times. Artys Kemeneth funded projects must start 3 weeks after the final decision date.
- Applications for over £500 must have match funding. Match funding can be in kind and the maximum funding you’ll ever need to show for Artys Kemeneth is £500.
- We can’t fund projects that don’t include at least one self-defined artist. Their practice can be any artform.
How to apply?
FEAST funding is there for everyone. We’ve worked hard to make our application process as straight forward and equitable as possible. So, please try not to over think it!
Stage 1: Complete the Expression of Interest form by the closing date.
Stage 2: Once the closing date has passed, the FEAST team will score all the Expressions of Interest against our criteria (see below). We recommend you keep these in mind when completing the Expression of Interest form.
Stage 3: Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a chat with our panel. The panel is made up of four people – a member of the Creative Communities team, and three community leaders/artists. We try to get representation from across the Duchy. If you are shortlisted we will give you more detail of what to expect when you meet the panel and you will need to provide additional information on budget, timeline and environmental considerations. If you haven’t been shortlisted we will let you know at this point. For projects that haven’t received funding feedback will be available, if wanted.
Stage 4: All shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email with the decision. For projects that have received funding, we will then support you through next steps.
Criteria
| Criteria | Demonstrated |
| Help Achieve Geographical Diversity: Artys Kemeneth helps to ensure that projects happen throughout Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. In our city and towns, but also in villages and hamlets. Projects taking place in areas where we see less activities, will be looked at more favourably. | Expression of Interest |
| Authentic Community Engagement: Artys Kemeneth projects should be community-led. Applicants should be able to demonstrate strong relationships with the community involved in the project. | Expression of Interest / Chat |
| Realistic Delivery: Projects will be reviewed based on their timeline and budgets. FEAST cannot support projects where artists are not remunerated appropriately. | Chat |
| Environmental Impact: Artys Kemeneth projects are expected to consider their environmental impact, and efforts should be made to reduce the carbon footprint of the project. | Chat |
| First Timers: Artys Kemeneth helps ensure that projects reflect the diversity of the Cornish population. We support artists at all levels of their careers. Projects from first time applicants and early career artists, may be looked at more favourably. | Expression of Interest |
Each round there will be 8 x £1,000 and 4 x £500 grants available. Demand is high and at present we are able to fund 1:5 applicants so please be aware that the process is competitive.
Artys Kemeneth funded projects must start at least 3 weeks after the decision date and be completed within 12 months.
If you still have questions, get in touch with us at [email protected]