Arts Council England
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Applications open for a national provider to help arts and cultural sector engage with public sector commissioning

Arts Council England is looking for a national provider to run a three-year programme which will help organisations and artists engage with strategic commissioning opportunities in the public service sector.

Our aims for Cultural commissioning

Funding of up to £895,000 will be invested in the Cultural commissioning programme, to help organisations and artists engage with and make a meaningful contribution to public services including health, education and adult social care.

This will be specifically achieved by increasing awareness and understanding of public sector 'strategic commissioning' opportunities and by providing practical support, training and resources for the arts and cultural sector.

The initiative is part of our ongoing drive to help the sector identify opportunities to diversify income streams, engage new audiences and develop innovative arts and culture in new settings.

It is also responds to a changing public service landscape in which local councils are reducing the services they deliver directly and are commissioning them from external providers.

Further information about our aims for the programme can be found in our Cultural commissioning funding section.

How to apply

We are looking for an individual organisation or consortium of organisations to develop and deliver the programme, which should run from April 2013 to June 2016.

A grant of up to £895,000 is available, consisting of funding from government grant in aid and the National Lottery.

Applications must be submitted online no later than 5pm Tuesday 26 February 2013. Applicants are advised to refer to the application guidance notes, downloadable from our 'how to apply' page.

For further information visit our Cultural commissioning funding pages.

For further information about how we are supporting organisations to strengthen their business models and diversify their income streams, visit our priorities pages.

You can read more about our goals in our 10-year plan.

Facing the Future...find out more