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.
The Creative Industries Project Development Fund is now closed for applications. Year 2 of the Creative Industries Project Development Fund is scheduled to launch in January 2026.
- Before starting your application, please refer to the application guidance notes.
- Applicants will be notified of an outcome by the end of November 2025. Successful projects must be delivered by 31 March 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)
- Music, performing and visual arts.
- Museums, Galleries and Libraries
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
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Essex Creative Sector Survey
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Arts, Culture and Heritage Opportunities in Essex
Job Opportunities Campaign Manager, Made in EssexFreelance, £4,500 fee. Deadline 17 November 2025. Theatre Technician, Chelmsford Theatre FT, £29,028 to £31,500 per annum. Deadline 24 November 2025. Director, Southend & Essex, MetalFT, £45,000 per annum. Deadline 25 November 2025. Freelance Venue Hire Manager, The Minories Commissioned based. Deadline 28 November 2025. Trustee, Culture Chelmsford Volunteer position. Deadline 30 November 2025. Community Executive, Patch (Chelmsford) FT, £26,200 to £27,500 per annum. Rolling Deadline. Commission Opportunities Pitsea Voices Commission, Creative BasildONFreelance commission, £7,500 fee. Deadline 23 November. Funding or Development Opportunities Community Initiative Fund, Essex County CouncilVoluntary organisations, community groups, residents’ associations and Town and Parish Councils can apply for up to £10,000 for projects that aim to strengthen local communities and make Essex an even better place to live, work and visit. Alongside the main CIF round, micro grants of up to £1,000 are also available. Deadline 28 November 2025. Please refer to our funding