Wakefield Council launches Culture Grants 2026
Monday, March 09, 2026
Wakefield Council has launched its Culture Grants for 2026, inviting local communities, artists and organisations to bring bold, imaginative creative projects to life.
The programme supports the district to be a place where vibrant arts, heritage and creative activity continue to thrive.
Culture Grants offer funding for co-produced creative and heritage projects led by Wakefield communities. Support ranges from small grants of £1,500 to large grants of up to £10,000.
“I am pleased to be launching this year’s grants. We are continuing our commitment to making sure our district is a place where creativity can thrive.
“We know the social, wellbeing and economic impact that providing grants for creatives and communities brings. And we’re excited by the opportunity to support a diverse range of cultural activity across our district.”
Cllr Hannah Appleyard
Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport
The Council is encouraging applications for projects which promote community engagement and participation in creative activities, celebrate the district’s rich heritage, and shine a light on local creative talent.
For 2026, there are three distinct grants:
• Culture Grants Small - for constituted community groups, charities, CICs, and other VCSE organisations to run small creative, cultural and heritage projects and activities.
• Culture Grants Medium and Culture Grants Large – for individuals, charities, CICs, and other organisations to support medium and large-scale creative, cultural and heritage activities.
Culture Grants Medium and Large projects will need to respond to one of three themes:
• Creative Wellbeing
• Creativity and Nature
• New Creative Work
Culture Grants 2026 are being supported by funding from the West Yorkshire’s Combined Authority’s ‘Seasons of Culture - Nature 2026’. Projects aligned with the ‘Creativity and Nature’ theme will engage with nature, sustainability, and climate resilience.
This funding announcement reaffirms the Council's aim of increasing a sense of place, pride and connection across the district through culture and creativity. Enabling residents to access exciting and inclusive creative experiences which improve the wellbeing of communities.
Interested applicants can visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/CultureGrants to find out more.
Grant applications are open now, with deadlines throughout 2026.
Anyone requiring further information should email culturegrants@wakefield.gov.uk