How
to apply
We support responsive, political artworks in public space with decisions made on applications in a week.
We support political work with a goal to make change happen.
Criteria
The work is time-critical
The reason that ARTCRY exists is to encourage artists to make work which responds to social/political events happening now by giving a decision on applications within seven days.
Any work funded by us must require an immediate start in order to make it's point.
All work must happen for free, in public space in the UK.
We are looking to support artistic interventions in public space. Our focus is on a UK audience.
Where and how you choose to put your work on needs to clearly connect with the people you want it to reach.
We value work which...
Starts a conversation ​
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Can startle people with a new point of view
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Makes audiences think more deeply
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Strives to make an impact
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Respects difference
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Has a spirit of openness and accessibility at its core.
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Is representative
Areas of interest & commissions
ARTCRY is an open fund, you can apply on any topic at any time. We have two areas of interest. We are particularly interested in funding:
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1. Transparency and accountability in our democracy.
Art that engages with our political systems (local & national).
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2. Fight for human rights and equality.
Especially art that engages with the UK’s Immigration and Asylum systems.
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We sometimes work in partnership with others to launch specific commissions which you can apply to. Details of any live commissions will be below with guidance.
Grant amounts
At ARTCRY we raise all the money we grant out, we don't have a large pot. So we want to see applications which are tightly focused around need.
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You can apply for any amount of money. Do you need £50 to buy paint? £200 to hire a van? We want you to apply for what you need.
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Our standard maximum grant amount is up to £2,500 (including VAT). ​
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Available commissions
If we have a commission live you will find it here.
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Commission available: ALL ABOARD
ACT UP x ARTCRY
Billions in foreign aid funding cuts from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump threaten the lives of millions of people living with HIV + AIDS across the globe. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reports that this could lead to over 10 million additional HIV cases and three million HIV-related deaths, and could undo 20 years of progress. HIV clinics across the world are now shutting their doors, with reports that the supply of life-saving HIV medicines is close to running out in Haiti, Kenya, Lesotho, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria and Ukraine.
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The AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power’s (ACT UP) are calling on the UK government to “FIGHT AIDS NOT WAR”. The moment for the boat ALL ABOARD ACT UP - AIDS Activism Pride and Protest Celebration Boat Party is now!
On 24 May 2025 a boat will be sailing down the Thames, under bridges and to Parliament. We are looking for an artist/(s) to work with the ACT UP team to turn this boat into a work of ART.
READ THE FULL COMMISSION BRIEF.
DOWNLOAD THE GUIDANCE ON APPLICATION (also below).
To submit you complete your application inline with the guidance for this submission and submit it through the online form below.
The same panel will assess applications for commissions joined by a member of our partner organisation, in this case Dan Glass.
Photo: stickypicnic
How to apply
1. Read/watch our How To Apply information below.
This tells you more about what we are looking for and gives an example template application form and budget if you would like one.
2. Create your application.
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3. Submit the application on the form opposite.
Please note - you will not get a confirmation email but there will be a little note that pops up underneath the SUBMIT button telling you your application has been submitted.
Please note - we will reply to every application with feedback. If your application is successful this will be within 7 days. If we are not offering you funding it might take a little longer than 7 days but we will be in touch.
Good luck!
Application Form
Your application is submitted.
Thank you!
We will be in touch within a week to let you know whether you have been successful.
Please wait for 20 Seconds for form to upload.
