The Glastonbury Family Arts Foundation
For the provision of artistic excellence in Bristol
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Our Vision is
Bristol as a vibrant centre for artistic excellence, innovation and learning, recognised internationally for its arts.
A world where all creative human endeavors are available to everyone.
We believe that creating and sharing excellent art is fundamental to a positive society. At a time when high quality artistic provision is increasingly vulnerable to funding cuts locally and nationally, we affirm its essential importance.
Artistic provision is not a hierarchy, with excellence reserved for a narrow peak. We see the arts as an ecosystem, where all levels of practice inspire and sustain one another. Excellence can exist everywhere within this system.
There is clear evidence that people in the UK are unjustly disadvantaged in access to and availability of the arts, and are often more pronounced in specific geographic areas.
At the same time, we recognise how difficult it has become to sustain work that can distinguish itself nationally and internationally. This level of artistic excellence requires particular understanding, ambition and long-term support.
Our Mission
We have two separate funding objectives:
1. To support Bristol-based artists and artistic organisations to produce exciting and inspirational art across all disciplines;
2. To enable the provision of learning and participation across all of the arts in Bristol for individuals from all backgrounds.
At a time when ambitious, high-quality art is increasingly difficult to sustain, we provide time, space and resources for excellence to flourish – across all art forms and at every level of Bristol’s creative ecosystem.
We fund individuals and organisations working in Bristol and its surrounding areas (any BS postcode), helping exceptional ideas grow into work that resonates locally, nationally and internationally.
Our focus is simple: to significantly expand access for all and help Bristol to become a city recognised globally for inspirational art-making
General principles
In all of the above, the emphasis is on having a well-defined and clearly budgeted project that is devised with long-term impact in mind and with the ability to reach and inspire everyone.
We welcome ambitious projects that have the potential to attract national and international attention, elevating the city’s reputation in a chosen field.
Applications are welcome from
For our Creative Excellence programme:
– Creative individuals with a proven track record of artistic excellence in any discipline, and whose work is based in Bristol and the surrounding region (anywhere with a BS postcode).
– Creative organisations in Bristol and the surrounding region (anywhere with a BS postcode) who have a strong reputation, play an important role in Bristol’s artistic infrastructure and have an exciting, transformative artistic vision.
For our Creative Learning programme:
– Learning partners in Bristol and the surrounding region that bring innovative artistic learning to a wide cross-section of the public.
Apply for Funding
You can apply to our Creative Excellence Programme as an individual to become one of our GFAF Associates, or as an organisation to be a GFAF Key Organisation.
These have different application forms, click here to apply.
Or you can apply to our Creative Learning Programme to become one of our GFAF Learning Partners.
Click here to apply for this programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be Bristol-based to apply?
No. You may live elsewhere, but your work must be based in and primarily benefit Bristol and its surrounding areas (BS postcode).
Can I apply if I’m early in my career?
Yes. We fund artists at any career stage, provided you can demonstrate artistic excellence, strong potential and the capacity to deliver the proposed project.
Can I apply to both funding strands?
No. Individuals should apply for GFAF Associate funding, and organisations should apply for GFAF Key Organisation funding.
Can I apply for less than the maximum amount?
Yes. We encourage applicants to request the level of funding genuinely required to deliver their project well.
What happens after I receive a grant?
Grant holders are expected to:
- Deliver the proposed project within the agreed timeframe and grant agreement
- Share work publicly, live and/or online
- Participate in evaluation and reflection
- Engage, where appropriate, in mentoring or knowledge-sharing with other artists
How are decisions made?
Applications are reviewed by the Trustees, drawing on external advice where appropriate. Decisions are based on artistic excellence, clarity of vision, feasibility and potential impact.
When will I hear back?
For the 2026 funding round, applicants will be notified of decisions in late June 2026.
Donate
Your support helps make the arts more open, inclusive and accessible.
Donations to the Glastonbury Family Arts Foundation directly support musicians, students, venues and community projects—helping remove barriers and create opportunities where they’re most needed.
Every contribution, large or small, makes a real difference.
