Somerset House Exchange Bursaries
To ensure Somerset House Exchange is accessible and made up of a diverse community of creatives, we offer bursaries of up to 75% off membership rates to people who may face barriers in terms of access and opportunity in the creative and cultural sector. This includes those who have an impactful, creative idea that needs a little support to get to the next level. Individuals will be considered for the bursary if financial restrictions would otherwise prevent them from becoming a member.
How does our Bursary Programme work?
The bursary is a staggered discount, starting at 75% off general membership rates in year one, 50% off in year two and 25% off in year three. As well as access to the workspace, facilities and all benefits of membership, recipients will be connected to the wider community at Somerset House.
Who are our bursaries for?
Our bursary places are specifically looking to redress balance in terms of access and opportunity within the creative and cultural sector for groups who may have been excluded, such as the LGBTQ+ community, women, Global Majority ethnicities, lower socio-economic backgrounds, refugees, or those who are neurodiverse. This is a non-exhaustive list and we look to approach this with the understanding that our scope must be responsive, intersectional and open minded. Although bursary places can only be awarded to those aged 18 or over, there is no maximum age limit.
What is the application process?
Applications are open on a rolling basis, with five bursary placements available per month. We welcome applications from both individuals as well as small businesses, with a maximum number of two placements per company/organisation. Please note, to apply for this bursary you must work in the arts or the creative industries.
Applications submitted by midday of the 28th, or before, of each month, will then be reviewed and receive a decision within 3 weeks. Each application will be scored by members from the Somerset House team. Following the scoring stage, a shortlist will be made.
Those on this shortlist will be invited to an interview to provide us with a further insight into how the Somerset House Exchange bursary will benefit their creative endeavours.
What membership packages are available for a bursary?
Exchange 50 Hours
Exchange 100 Hours
Exchange Unlimited
Exchange Fixed Desk