£400,000 on offer for arts and culture projects across Birmingham

Arts and culture organisations and community groups in Birmingham can bid for a share of £400,000 in new grants, with webinars for applicants taking place on Wednesday 7 October.

The money is part of Together on Culture, Birmingham City Council's strategic framework for culture, and is designed to support creative projects that make arts and culture more visible in local communities and raise the profile of the city.

Three funds

• Local Cultural Improvement Fund: for constituted organisations delivering creative projects based on existing local cultural plans that bring arts and culture into neighbourhoods. £100,000 is available, in grants of up to £10,000.
• Local Cultural Event Fund: for arts and cultural events using local spaces that bring people together in their neighbourhoods. £100,000 is available, in grants of up to £10,000.
• Magnets and Moonshots Open Call Fund: for high-profile cultural events and activities that attract visitors, raise Birmingham's profile and bring wider economic and social benefits. £200,000 is available, in grants of between £10,000 and £50,000, depending on the scale of the event.

"A wealth of creativity and talent"

Councillor Deborah Harries, Cabinet Member for Culture, said: "Birmingham has a wealth of creativity and talent, so it's great that we're able to offer some funding that will help organisations bring that alive in their local communities and to attract residents and visitors to see something new and exciting in our city."

The council has already put more than £250,000 into arts and culture projects across the city this year.

How to apply

The council's Culture Development Service is holding webinars on 7 October at 12pm and 5pm to explain the application process. To attend, email [email protected] with your name, organisation, contact number and the session you would like to join. Information will be available for anyone who cannot attend.

Applications for all three funds must be made by 1pm on Friday 6 November 2026.

Why it matters

Birmingham's council has had to make deep cuts to arts funding since it issued a section 114 notice in 2023, and many organisations, from small community groups to major venues, have had to find new ways to survive. Small grants can make a big difference to grassroots groups, paying for artists, venue hire or equipment that allow events to happen at all.

The city has a strong tradition of community-led culture, from Diwali and Vaisakhi celebrations to the St Patrick's Day parade, carnivals and neighbourhood festivals, much of it run by volunteers.

Tips for applicants

• Read the criteria for each fund carefully and choose the one that fits your project.
• Show who will take part or benefit, and which neighbourhood the project will reach.
• Set out a clear, realistic budget, including any other funding you have secured.
• Leave time before the deadline in case you have questions for the council's team.

For further information or help with an application, email [email protected].