Grant News
As part of its effort to support regional growth and innovation in the UK’s creative industries, the UK government is making an additional £27 million in funding available through the Creative Industries Clusters Programme.
Four new university-led clusters will be established, with grants of up to £6.75 million each to support collaborations between universities, businesses, policymakers, and private funders.
Delivered by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), this round of funding aims to address gaps in the reach and coverage of previous clusters.
The focus of the next round of clusters will be to:
- broaden the geographical reach of the clusters portfolio enabling new regions to gain from the benefits of hosting a Cluster or expand the cluster model into sub-sectors and challenges not addressed in previous rounds
- contribute to delivery of the UK’s Creative Industries Sector Plan objectives (growth, skills and wider impact)
- directly address known sector challenges as part of their work including, but not limited to:
- skills and talent development
- equality, diversity and inclusion
- business growth
- environmental sustainability
Funding will cover up to 80% of project costs over five years.
Applications must be submitted by eligible research organisations such as universities or higher education institutions by 4pm on 3 March 2026.
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