Acquisition grants
Grants can range from a few hundred pounds, to hundreds of thousands.
Through our acquisitions programme, we give grants totalling between £3m and £4m every year to help museums and galleries acquire art for their collections.
We believe that new acquisitions allow museums and galleries to interpret the world, spark debate and provide fresh entry points for audiences.
We support the purchase of works of art and other objects of artistic interest dating from antiquity to the present day. We can also support the commission and acquisition of important new work, and we welcome proposals for exceptional projects with significant public impact. Applications for commissioned work are also considered as a part of our acquisitions programme.
Grants can range from a few hundred pounds, to hundreds of thousands.
Please contact us after reading the Guidance for applicants for further advice on your application.
What we can fund
Who can apply
Grants available
The following categories of grant are available through the acquisitions programme.
Main grants
Grant requests of above £7,500 and/or where the total cost of the work is more than £15,000
Next application deadline: These applications are decided at each of our five trustees' meetings per year. Please get in touch with us for further information.
Decision by: A decision will be made within one week after the trustees’ meeting.
Application rounds: February, May, July, October and December
Small grants
Grant requests of £7,500 or less where the total cost of the work is £15,000 or less
Next application deadline: We consider these applications on a rolling basis. There is no strict deadline.
Decision by: Approximately 6-8 weeks from date of submission
Auctions
Time-critical applications of any size for works coming up for sale at auction
Next application deadline: These applications are time-sensitive, so there is no strict deadline.
Decision by: Approximately 10 working days for auctions outside of London, 7 working days for auctions within London
Conditions
As an independent charity, we receive no government funding and are entirely supported by our members, who buy the National Art Pass, as well as by the generosity of many trusts, foundations and other individuals.
- Your own page on the Art Fund website
- Marketing support and brand exposure
- Access to free tools and resources, such as Art Tickets
On average our National Art Pass network members enjoy more visitors and additional revenue
Some of our grants come with specific terms and conditions, including free or reduced entry for National Art Pass members.
Please contact:
- programmes@artfund.org for more information on grant conditions
- museums@artfund.org if you would like to know which conditions might already apply to you
Whether or not you are successful in your grant application, you may be eligible to join the National Art Pass network. Join 850+ venues across the UK working towards a shared vision – to help museums and galleries do more.
- Your own page on the Art Fund website
- Marketing support and brand exposure
- Access to free tools and resources, such as Art Tickets
On average our National Art Pass network members enjoy more visitors and additional revenue
Some of our grants come with specific terms and conditions, including free or reduced entry for National Art Pass members.
Please contact:
- programmes@artfund.org for more information on grant conditions
- museums@artfund.org if you would like to know which conditions might already apply to you
How to apply
Your application
Read the guidance
Download the Guidance for applicants which explains our criteria for funding, helps you apply for a grant and gives you guidance on filling out the application form.
Get in touch
If you haven’t found what you need in the Guidance for applicants, get in touch by setting up a call to discuss your application.
Submit your application
For application forms and to apply, please log in to your My Art Fund account, or create an account. You must be registered as a professional user. If you already have a My Art Fund account, but are not registered as a professional user, you can add your professional details when logged in.
After you've applied
Acknowledgement of application
We’ll inform you as soon as we have made a decision.
Claim your grant
If your application is successful, we will send you our offer paperwork with more details on how to claim your grant.
Follow-on relationship
After you’ve claimed your grant, and once you are a a member of the National Art Pass network, we’ll help you promote your venue and support you thanks to our expert teams.
Frequently asked questions
Not sure if you are eligible or if you qualify?
We’re here to help