Funding and Access Support for Artists
Clear, practical guidance on funding, Access Support, and how to budget for professional help.
This page explains what Access Support looks like in practice, how it can support funding applications, which UK funding routes allow it, and how Artist Professional Support (APS) can help. All APS support can be self funded or included in a funding budget where appropriate.
Funding and Access Support for Artists: How It Works and What You Can Include
What Is Access Support?
Access Support is funding provided by arts funders to remove barriers in the application process. It supports artists who are Deaf, disabled, neurodivergent, or experiencing short or long term physical or mental health challenges.
Access Support sits on top of your grant. It does not reduce your project budget.
You can request Access Support before you start writing and you can also include it within an application. Asking early often leads to clearer plans, better pacing, and stronger submissions.
Good Access Support focuses on removing practical, cognitive, and communication barriers so artists can apply clearly and confidently.
It is about process, not control.
Access Support can include:
- Structuring ideas and proposals
- Breaking application forms into manageable steps
- Communication adjustments
- Note taking and planning support
- Reading and comprehension support
- Understanding guidance and criteria
- Timeline planning and deadline management
- Support using online systems such as Grantium
Access Support is facilitation, not substitution.
The ideas stay yours. The voice stays yours.
Access Support does not give anyone an unfair advantage. It improves clarity and feasibility.
It helps applications:
- Communicate ideas more clearly
- Set realistic timelines and budgets
- Reduce last minute errors and stress
- Show assessors how a project will actually be delivered
This makes it easier for panels to understand the work and increases the likelihood that funded projects can be delivered as proposed.
Access Support is not someone writing the application for you.
It is not outsourcing authorship.
It is not a shortcut.
APS works ethically within funder Access Support frameworks. Time and activity are recorded clearly, conflicts of interest are declared where relevant, and the focus is always on barrier removal, clarity, and authorship integrity.
Be cautious of services offering to write bids for you under Access Support. This removes learning, weakens ownership, and often causes problems later when funded projects no longer reflect what the artist actually wants to make.
Access Support is about removing barriers, not gaining advantage.
A Simple Example
An artist uses Access Support to break the application into weekly sessions, receive notes after meetings, and plan a realistic budget. The project does not change. The application becomes clearer, paced, and deliverable.
Access Support to Help You Apply
If you have access needs, you can apply for Access Support to help you complete a funding application. Most funders, including Arts Council England, do not ask for proof of barriers. You do not need to disclose medical or personal details publicly.
You can nominate someone you trust as your support worker. APS can also act as your Access Support worker if you want someone who understands funding structures, neurodivergent communication styles, and the realities of sustaining an art practice.
Access Support requests are handled separately from assessment. They are about adjusting the process, not justifying yourself. If an application does not have a clear Access Support route on their webpage, there is no harm in emailing them. Smaller organisations might not have the budget, but sometimes can offer in person support, resources, or a quick call.
Sarah Francis – I am an artist and access support worker, and the founder of Artist Professional Support (APS). I am a queer, disabled, neurodivergent artist living with chronic pain, who has lived and worked on both sides of the funding and application process.
Access has been at the centre of my work for many years. I know what it takes to advocate for your needs, navigate systems not built with you in mind, and keep going when the process feels unclear or exhausting. I have spent a long time learning how to do this for myself and supporting others to do the same.
I have supported organisations to raise over £340,000 in public funding and have helped artists navigate funding routes including Arts Council England Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP). I am also a practising artist and have successfully secured funding for my own work, including DYCP.
I understand the knockbacks, the uncertainty, and the resilience it takes to keep building a practice. Art practices are rarely tidy. Good support creates space to reflect, reframe, and move forward with clarity.
My approach to access support is practical, ethical, and collaborative. My role is to help you protect your voice, build confidence, and take the next step as the artist you want to be.
Subject
Access Support request
Email body
Hello,
I am applying for funding and would like to request Access Support to help me complete the application process.
I experience access barriers that affect planning, communication, and pacing. I am requesting Access Support to remove these barriers so I can submit a clear and realistic application.
Please let me know how to proceed.
Thank you,
[Your name]
What APS Helps You With
APS Access Support and mentoring can help with:
- Deciding if you are ready to apply
- Choosing the right funding route
- Clarifying ideas and artistic direction
- Turning loose thoughts into structured proposals
- Understanding budgets, outcomes, and timelines
- Navigating Access Support processes
- Preparing portfolios or written documents
- Submitting applications calmly and on time
Support is tailored and paced to your access needs.
Funding Routes That Allow Access Support
Many UK funding schemes allow or encourage Access Support, even if it is not clearly advertised.
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. Local and regional funding schemes often allow Access Support. It is always acceptable to ask.
Mentoring and Access Support can be added to funding budgets for artists working locally and regionally. All sessions are delivered online and via email.
APS supports artists across Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield, Wakefield, and the wider West Yorkshire region. Support is available both in person and online.
Booking a Session
If you are thinking about applying for funding and need support, start with a conversation. If you want to understand Access Support properly or need help planning a funding application, book a chat with APS.
We will help you work out what support is appropriate and how to move forward with clarity and confidence.
To arrange a free, 20 minute, no obligation video or telephone call to explore support options, please email us below.
If you are not sure where to start, you can also look at our mentoring support, which can help you move towards accessing funding and feeling more confident as an artist.