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.
Applications to the Creative Industries Project Development Fund are now closed.
- Applicants will be notified of an outcome by the end of March 2026.
- Project delivery must take place between April 2026 and March 2027.
Before starting your application, please refer to the application guidance notes.
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 in Greater Essex, including Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock*, 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
*Please note, all project delivery must strictly take place in the Essex County Council administrative area.
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.
Creative Health Lead Programme
Essex is one of only six areas in England to join the third cohort of the national Creative Health Leads Programme.The programme is run by the National Centre for Creative Health (NCCH). Essex will receive two years of support to further embed creative health across the county.Creative health involves using artistic and creative activities to support mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Activities might include: Singing for lung health Dancing and movement for mobility and balance Art therapy as a way of expressing feelings Creative writing to help process emotions or trauma Photography to encourage mindfulness As part of the programme, a dedicated Creative Health Lead role will be established, employed by Essex County Council and working in partnership with NHS and wider system partners. The role will work across health, care, local government, voluntary and community sectors to strengthen the use of creativity in: Supporting prevention Improving wellbeing Reducing inequalities
Inspiring the Next Generation
Young storytellers across Essex are invited to take part in a magical Storytelling Competition inspired by Gruffalo Granny, the new book from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Open to children aged 5 to 11, the competition encourages participants to share an original story of up to 500 words, either in writing or spoken aloud. Whether it’s an exciting adventure, a fantastical new world or a treasured memory, this is a chance for children to let their imaginations run free and bring their stories to life. As part of the opportunity, entrants can hear from our Essex Cultural Ambassadors, who will share practical tips and advice on crafting a compelling story, finding inspiration and engaging readers. With fantastic prizes on offer, including a day out to Chessington World of Adventures, afternoon tea, book tokens and the chance to have a story published, there has never been a better time to start
Summer of Culture 2026 Launch
Culture Essex and Explore Essex are delighted to launch the Summer of Culture Guide 2026! Produced by Explore Essex and Culture Essex, the guide features a rich mix of arts, culture and heritage events, exhibitions and public programme taking place across Essex this summer for everyone to enjoy! Explore events including classical concerts and Essex Book Festival, the latest art exhibitions and how you can celebrate the 250th anniversary of English artist John Constable. Step back in time with our what’s on at Essex Museums across the county, discover film locations, the story of the boat that rocked and lots more great ideas for an affordable day out in six pages of listings. Read ‘Summer of Culture 2026’ now to find out more and look out for physical copies soon, as we connect communities through creativity and take pride in our great county.
Cultural Projects on Film
Since 2021, the Essex County Council Arts and Cultural Fund has supported over 100 projects to deliver a broad and exciting range of work engaging with communities across Essex. Learn more about the impact of our supported projects in the following videos: https://vimeo.com/1117708486https://vimeo.com/1020526521?fl=tl&fe=ec