Arts Council Wales recognised that more could be done to support artists and arts organisations from marginalised communities who were experiencing barriers and struggling to access funding. As a result of this, the Creative Steps programme was redesigned to provide bespoke support and funding to these communities.
Since its relaunch in 2021, Creative Steps has supported 26 arts organisations and 70 individuals across Wales. These organisations are all either Disabled-led organisations and/or Diverse-led Organisations.
Creative Steps is focused on supporting arts organisations and individuals who identify as being ethnically and culturally diverse, and Deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent. The scheme is centred on supporting the professional and business development of these organisations and individuals.
Andrew Ogun, Agent for Change at Arts Council of Wales said:
“We want to reach and support ethnically and culturally diverse people and Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent people, whether as artists, as staff within arts organisations, as organisations which primarily support underrepresented communities or in decision-making roles. Our research shows that our funding is failing to reach people from these backgrounds and lived experiences. Creative Steps aims to overcome some of the obstacles that people face, supporting them to develop themselves or their organisations further.
“It’s a fantastic way to connect the arts with more communities, with the people who need it the most – people that may have never had a relationship with the Arts Council before. We can support people to develop, not just financially, but also with guidance, mentorship and experience.”
The fund will re-open for applications on 7 February 2025 with applications for the first round closing on 12 March 2025 for organisations and 27 March 2025 for individuals.
Creative Steps for Individuals is open for applications of between £500 and £7,500.
Creative Steps for Organisations is open for applications at three funding levels:
- Early-stage applications are between £500-£10,000
- Second-stage applications are between £10,001-£50,000
- Third-stage applications are between £50,001-£75,000
This has been made possible thanks to the money raised by National Lottery players for good causes.
For more information, and details on how to apply or to talk to us to see if the fund is for you, click here for Creative Steps for Individuals and here for Creative Steps for Organisations.
Artist: Dalisizwe Chitiyo
Title: HOLY GLORY VISUALS AND REVOLUTIONARY VISUAL MEDIA
Dalisizwe Chitiyo received £5,354 in February 2023. His project was centred on creating a new visual media platform to help himself and other musicians tell revolutionary stories.
“The funding really helped me realise where I am in my career and what I need to do to take those crucial next steps. I feel the funding helped me to get equipment and remove barriers that previously prevented me from expanding my career and getting new knowledge. Thanks to Creative Steps funding I was able to start writing, directing, and filming my first short film and set up a small organisation that aims to revolutionise Welsh Media and do reviews of various art.”
Artist: Bridie Doyle-Roberts
Title: Spectrwm o’r Golwg
Bridie Doyle-Roberts received £10,700 in March 2023. Her project was a Research & Development project exploring the spectrum of sight using lighting, sculpture, and creative writing, investigating what it’s like to live with sight loss and how this impacts on daily life.
“This project had a huge impact on the way I think about my creative practice. It has given me a sense of freedom to explore beyond the boundaries of an exhibition format. I have also found it very rewarding to explore my personal story of sight loss in this work, and it has felt very authentic and meaningful.
“Working on this project has felt like a pivotal moment in my career. I am very grateful for the opportunity to take those creative steps towards my goals. Diolch yn fawr.”
