Creative Industries Project Development Fund
Culture Essex is proud to launch the Creative Industries Project Development Fund, designed to support the growth and innovation of creative businesses across Essex. With over 30,000 people employed in the sector and 7,500+ companies thriving in the county, Essex is a powerhouse of creative talent—from film and fashion to video games and music.
Apply for Funding
Eligible organisations can apply for grants between £2,500 and £30,000 to support projects that align with Essex County Council’s priorities.
Apply to the fund via the online application portal.
- Before starting your application, please refer to the application guidance notes.
- Deadline for applications: 11.59pm on Friday 31 October 2025.
- Applicants will be notified of an outcome by the end of November 2025. Successful projects must be delivered by 31 March 2026.
Year 2 of the Creative Industries Project Development Fund is scheduled to launch in April 2026.
For questions, contact us at culture@essex.gov.uk. Please reach out well before the deadline to ensure we can assist you in time.
Funding Priorities
We’re looking to support projects that drive growth, innovation, and community impact in the following areas:
- Business Growth: Innovative ideas, new revenue streams, and market readiness.
- Talent Development: Inspiring young people through creative career pathways and apprenticeships.
- Video Games: Support for studios to test and develop new concepts.
- Film: Supporting independent filmmakers showcasing Essex’s screen sector.
- Music: Promoting grassroots venues, festivals, and live experiences.
Who Can Apply?
Creative organisations based within the administrative boundaries of Essex County Council and operating in one or more of the following sectors:
- Advertising & Marketing
- Architecture
- Crafts
- Design & Designer Fashion
- Film, TV, Radio & Photography
- Publishing
- IT, Software & Computer Services (including Video Games)
Chelmsford Community Radio. Photo: Realm Video.
What’s Not Funded
- 100% of project costs
- Fundraising events for private gain
- Student projects tied to coursework
- International touring
- Capital costs
- Curriculum-based school projects
What You’ll Need
In addition to your main application and project budget (evidencing 10% match funding, either cash or in-kind), applicants must provide the following documentation:
- Constitution and/or Articles of Association
- A business plan including education/outreach and marketing policies
- Management and Staffing structures
- Equal Opportunities policy
- Equality and Diversity policy
- Child Protection and Vulnerable Adults policy and procedures where appropriate e.g. Disclosure and Barring Checks
- Health and Safety policy
- Copy of current £5 million Public Liability insurance certificate. We will not award funding to organisations which do not have satisfactory insurance in place
- An organisational budget/cash flow for the current year
- Details of activities for which funding is sought in the context of the organisation’s wider activity for the year
- The previous years’ Annual Report and management/audited accounts
Creative Spotlights
Click on the images below to read Case Studies of some of the projects the Arts and Cultural Fund has supported.
Arts and Cultural Fund Projects
The following list details recipients of the Essex County Council Arts and Cultural Fund, supporting organisations and creative practitioners to deliver an exciting range of work and activity to engage with and bring communities in Essex together. Find out more about the fund here. Since launching in December 2021, the Fund has supported 86 projects across Essex and enabled approximately 300,000 Essex residents and visitors to get involved or benefit from creative and cultural activity across the county. Year 4 Recipients (2025) Eloise Pilbeam Multi-disciplinary artist Eloise Pilbeam will co-create a series of interactive public sculptures in Harlow that will act as communal spaces, inviting people to pause, reflect, connect, and engage in playful exploration. Situated in a public green space, the works will use be composed of reclaimed materials and will be created using traditional weaving techniques in reference to the county’s historic connection with the textile industry. The project
Summer of Culture Magazine Launch
Culture Essex and Explore Essex are delighted to launch the Summer of Culture Guide 2025! We are delighted to share the Essex Summer of Culture Guide 2025. Partnering with Essex arts and cultural organisations, in this years edition we showcase some amazing, low-cost and free activities, exhibitions and experiences taking place in the county this summer for everyone to enjoy. We’re pleased to confirm that the Summer of Culture guide will once again be available in print from Essex Libraries, Essex Country Parks and many attractions and organisations across the county, so look out for a print copy to share with friends. Click here to read an online copy of the Summer of Culture Guide.
Essex Creative Sector Survey
Essex County Council, through its Cultural Development Service, have launched a key piece of work to look at the needs of Essex’s creative industries as the landscape of local government, government spending reviews and devolution continues to rapidly change, and particularly in light of the government’s ‘Invest 2035: UK Modern Industrial Strategy‘ which identifies the creative industries as a key driver of economic growth and innovation in the UK. As conversations continue at a local and national level, Culture Essex is working to ensure that the cultural and the creative industries are recognized and represented as valuable and high potential growth sectors in Essex. To make sure this support reflects the real needs of creative professionals and businesses, Essex County Council has commissioned We Made That to run a survey for those working in the creative industries. Your insights into what it’s like to work in the sector – including
Arts, Culture and Heritage Opportunities in Essex
Job Opportunities Cultural Development Officer, Essex County Council FT, £28,903 to £34,003. Deadline 25 September 2025. Marketing Manager, Saffron Hall TrustFT, £32,000 to £40,000. Deadline 26 September 2025. Customer Experience Assistant, Mercury TheatrePT, £12.21 per hour. Deadline 26 September 2025. Art School Lead, The Other MAFreelance Contract. Deadline 10 October 2025. Commission Opportunities Artist Open Call, Creative Break Time£5,100 artist fee. Deadline 21 September 2025. Call Out: Vinter House Public Art CommissionHarlow Art Trust are inviting visual artists with a public realm or sculptural practice to apply for a new site-specific commission inspired by the rich history, present character, and the landscape of the Templefields area in Harlow. The commission is open to artists interested in creating contemporary, high-quality, and community-minded artwork that will become part of Harlow Sculpture Town. The total commission budget is £9,500. Deadline: Monday 22 September 2025. Funding or Development Opportunities Producer Lab, Blown Fuse TheatreWorkshop series from 14 October 2025. Please refer to our funding page. If you have