Maria Bjornson Memorial Fund

The Fund supports projects and training in the performing, visual, and creative arts. This includes theatre, dance, visual arts, and related disciplines. Grants are awarded for project delivery and training activities that advance artistic excellence and educate the public. The Fund operates across the United Kingdom, supporting organisations and individuals who demonstrate a proven record of high-quality artistic work. Beneficiaries are selected for their potential to inspire and educate through artistic endeavour and performance, or for contributing significantly to the UK’s cultural fabric. The Fund also supports education and skills development within the arts sector.

UK-registered charities and individual artists are eligible to apply. The Fund looks for applicants with a proven record of advancing excellence in the performing, visual, or creative arts. Beneficiaries are selected for their potential to inspire and educate the public through high-quality artistic work. There is no restriction on religious context. The Fund welcomes unsolicited applications from both organisations and individuals. Applicants should be based in the United Kingdom and demonstrate a commitment to artistic rigour, creativity, and ambition. The Fund does not specify income thresholds, making it accessible to a range of organisations.

The Fund does not support medical research or disability support. It has deliberately shifted away from these areas to concentrate on its core mission of advancing artistic excellence and education. Activities outside the performing, visual, and creative arts are not within the Fund’s remit.

The Fund provides grants for project delivery and training activities. It welcomes unsolicited applications from eligible organisations and individuals. Grants are awarded based on artistic excellence and potential for cultural impact. The Fund is selective and focuses its resources on advancing the UK’s cultural fabric through high-quality artistic work.