Palsterwari (Main) Grants  

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, positive impact on local communities, bringing people together and fostering a greater sense of pride of place.

What do we fund?

Palsterwari (Main) grants are for up to £2,500 and are intended to support cultural and creative activities by increasing visibility and ensuring inclusivity for the whole community. True to its name — Palsterwari (Abundance of Fun) — it’s all about bringing people together to experience shared joy.

For this level of grant, we expect projects to involve multiple artists and a large audience, or aim for high participant numbers. We expect there to be match funding in place, this can be in-kind support. Artists must be paid at the Artist Union rate.

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. 

The Application Process

We have two grant rounds a year – the dates for 2025 are below: 

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. Palsterwari 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: Palsterwari 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. Palsterwari funded projects must start 3 weeks after the final decision date.  

• Applications must have match funding. Match funding can be in kind. 

• 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

Each round there will be 4 x £2,500 grants available. Demand is high so please be aware that the process is competitive.

Palsterwari funded projects must start at least 3 weeks after the decision date. 

If you still have questions, get in touch with us at [email protected]