Funding and Access Support for Artists
Clear, practical guidance for artists who need straightforward information on arts funding, Access Support and budgeting for professional help. This page explains the major UK funding routes in plain English and shows how APS mentoring and support can fit into your project or development plan. All APS services can be self funded or added to a funding budget.
Funding and Access Support for Artists: How It Works and What You Can Include
Access Support Explained
Access Support is financial help for disabled and neurodivergent artists who need support to communicate ideas, plan a proposal or navigate an application. It sits on top of your grant. It does not reduce your project budget. Access Support can cover idea-structuring, communication adjustments, note taking, reading support, breaking application forms into steps, planning timelines, help understanding guidance and staying steady through the process.
If you have access needs, you can nominate someone you trust. APS can act as your support worker if you want someone who understands funding structures, ND communication styles and the realities of sustaining an art practice.
Funding Routes You Can Use
These UK schemes allow or encourage Access Support and can include mentoring, portfolio development or project support within their budgets.
Arts Council England
Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP)
Supports research and practice development. Access Support available for writing, planning and structuring your application.
Arts Council Project Grants
Supports public facing projects. Access Support available for planning, communication help, meetings and proposal organisation.
a-n The Artists Information Company
a-n bursaries support professional development, mentoring, training and research. Access Support available.
Jerwood
Bursaries and fellowships for early and mid career artists. Access adjustments considered case by case.
Unlimited
Supports disabled artists. Strong access focus. Access Support available throughout application and project development.
Local and Regional Funding
Local councils, combined authorities and micro funders often support creative development. Many allow Access Support even if not advertised. APS can help you check eligibility.
Artist Support in Leeds and West Yorkshire
APS mentoring and support can be added to funding budgets for artists in Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield, Wakefield and across West Yorkshire.
How APS Support fits into your Funding Application
You can include APS mentoring, portfolio work or project support within:
• DYCP budgets
• Arts Council Project Grants
• a-n bursaries
• Unlimited
• local and regional schemes
APS support can also be funded through Access Support if you need communication or organisational support to complete an application.
What APS Helps You With
• deciding if you are ready to apply
• sharpening ideas and artistic direction
• turning loose thoughts into structured proposals
• choosing the right funding route
• understanding budgets, outcomes and timelines
• navigating Access Support
• preparing portfolios or written documents
Who This Page Helps
- Artists who need funding guidance without jargon.
- Disabled and neurodivergent artists planning applications.
- Artists budgeting for mentoring or professional development.
- Artists wanting clarity, timelines and realistic next steps.
Why Using This Page Improves Your Application
- Stronger ideas.
- Cleaner proposals.
- More achievable plans.
- Better budgeting.
- Less stress near deadlines.
- Higher quality submissions.
How to Begin
Email with your idea, goals and deadlines. You will receive plain guidance on:
• which fund fits your situation
• what support you can request
• what to prepare next
APS mentoring and support are optional but available if you want help developing a clear, fundable direction for your practice.