What we do
We support artists and creative projects by providing funding, and practical support.
Our aim is to make the process approachable, transparent, and open to a wide range of creative practices.
Who We Support
We welcome applications from artists:
- Working in any art form
- At any career stage
- Whose work is based in and primarily shared within Bristol and its surrounding areas (any BS postcode)
You do not need to live in Bristol, provided your project clearly serves the city and its artistic ecology.
How We Support Artists and Organisations
In 2026, GFAF will award grants through two funding strands:
Individual Grants: GFAF Associates
Each year we appoint a cohort of GFAF Associates: artists whose work demonstrates exceptional quality, ambition and potential.
In 2026, we will support up to 10 Associates, with grants of £10,000–£20,000 per individual.
Our aim is to give Associates the space, time and tools to hone their practice and deliver a project that can be shared publicly, generating interest and recognition at a national level.
We welcome applications from artists working in any art form and at any stage of their career, provided that their activity is based in and serves Bristol and its surrounding areas (any BS postcode).
As an Associate, you will be invited into an ongoing relationship with the Foundation, becoming part of a growing network of artists committed to excellence and to supporting emerging talent in the city.
What We Look for in a GFAF Associate
Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate:
- A practice that is based in and principally shared within Bristol and its surrounding areas (BS postcode), even if you live elsewhere.
- A strong track record of producing excellent work that is distinctive, surprising and innovative.
- Clear evidence that your work has the potential to transform how audiences engage with your art form.
- Support from two referees who are recognised experts in your field.
- Outstanding potential within your artistic discipline, and a clear articulation of how becoming a GFAF Associate would impact both your own practice and the wider artistic infrastructure.
- A compelling project proposal lasting up to one year, with a measurable impact on the arts scene in Bristol and beyond.
- A clear explanation of why the project is needed now — locally and nationally — and why you are the right person to deliver it.
- A willingness to share learning with other artists, including practical examples of mentoring, collaboration or knowledge sharing.
- A detailed and realistic budget, covering items such as personal stipend, materials,equipment, space hire and public sharing (live and digital).
- A demonstrable commitment to the provision of artistic excellence beyond your own work, across the Bristol area.
What We Offer
Creative Exchange
Opportunities for connection, and exchange of ideas
Funding
Up to 10 Associates per year
Grants of £10,000–£20,000
Support Beyond
For projects lasting up to 12 months
Public sharing of work, live and/or online
Organisational Grants: GFAF Key Organisations
Alongside individual artists, we will support a small number of Bristol based organisations whose work plays a critical role in sustaining and advancing human creativity.
In 2026, we hope to fund up to three GFAF Key Organisations, with grants of £50,000–£100,000.
These grants are intended to enable organisations to deliver ambitious projects or strategic developments that can unlock further excellence – creating exponential impact within the city and beyond.
Funding will typically support the upscaling of existing provision through investment in people, digital infrastructure or physical spaces, enabling wider engagement with outstanding artistic work.
What We Look for in a GFAF Key Organisation
Applicant organisations will be expected to demonstrate:
- A proven track record of delivering artistic excellence in Bristol and its surrounding areas (BS postcode).
- An artistic vision that reflects Bristol’s innovative spirit and is clearly situated within the city’s wider creative ecology.
- A well articulated proposal showing how the grant would support a significant step change in provision and strengthen the city’s artistic infrastructure.
- A clear rationale for why this level of funding is necessary and not otherwise available.
- A defined project culminating in public sharing both live and online.
- A project that brings artists together and contributes to education, development and long term capacity within the art form.
- Artistic outcomes with genuine ambition and a clear ‘wow’ factor—work that has the potential to inspire audiences and future generations.
- A strong vision for sustainability and legacy beyond the end of the grant period.
- A detailed budget demonstrating how the grant will grow current capacity and support long term impact.
What We Offer
Investment
Investment in people, space and infrastructure
Funding
Support for up to three organisations per year
Grants of £50,000–£100,000
Support Beyond
Funding for projects lasting up to 3 years
Public sharing with national and international reach
Grant Application Schedule
Support the Work
Your support helps us fund more artists and expand access to creative opportunities.