Arts Council of Wales | Cyngor Celfyddydau Cymru

The Council funds the development and creation of high-quality arts experiences across visual arts, music, dance, theatre, literature, digital and immersive work. Its programmes support project delivery, research, training and events. The Arts, Health and Wellbeing National Lottery fund supports creative projects that deliver health and wellbeing benefits for the people of Wales, with stated priorities including mental health, physical health, health inequalities, staff wellbeing and nature connection. Activities must benefit the development of creative practice in Wales or the Welsh public. Organisations can be based anywhere in the UK as long as their activity meets this geography requirement.

The Council welcomes applications from registered charities, community groups, CIOs, CICs, unincorporated associations, trusts, social enterprises, health boards, local authorities and universities. Partnerships and consortia are particularly encouraged, especially for the Arts, Health and Wellbeing programme. Beneficiaries include the general public, disabled people, ethnic minority communities, patients and healthcare staff. Schools are only eligible through dedicated Creative Learning programmes, not through the main grants. Individual applicants are not eligible for the Arts, Health and Wellbeing fund.

The Council does not fund schools except through its Creative Learning programmes. It also excludes formal education courses, such as degree programmes and weekly classes, as well as start-ups. Individuals are not eligible under the Arts, Health and Wellbeing programme. Activities that do not benefit the development of creative practice in Wales or the Welsh public are not supported.

The Council offers project-based grants and welcomes unsolicited applications. It prioritises partnership working and expects evaluation to be a significant part of any funded project. Grants are typically one-off for specific activities, with amounts varying by programme and stage. The Council works closely with applicants through Development Officers and encourages cross-sector collaborations that demonstrate clear health and wellbeing outcomes.