Upgrade Yourself Monthly: Funding Your Creative Practice

Please note this event is for 18–30-year-olds.

With Arts Council England’s next round of Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP) funding opening this Autumn, we thought it was the perfect time to bring a funding-focused session to Upgrade Yourself Monthly.

This session will give you practical tools, insider advice, and the confidence to approach funding applications with clarity and purpose. Whether you’re thinking about applying for DYCP or just want to understand what support is available, this event is for you.

We’ll be joined by Tijan Sallah, Relationship Manager for Music at Arts Council England (ACE), alongside colleagues from Visual Arts. Together, they’ll take you through:

• How ACE funding works
• Tips for strong, standout applications
• Navigating the DYCP process
• What access support is available and how to get it
• Other ACE funding pots

In the second half, you’ll have time and space to focus on what’s been discussed in the presentation and begin shaping your own funding ideas or draft applications. Tijan, the ACE team, and producers from Artsadmin will be around to answer questions and offer light-touch guidance. Think of it as a supportive, drop-in-style environment, inspired by Artsadmin’s DYCP Homework Club, where you can make real progress on your application with expert help nearby. We encourage you to bring a notebook and pen, or a laptop, so you can make the most of the session and get your ideas down.

Expect real talk, practical advice, and the chance to connect with peers who are also navigating the funding process!

As always, free drinks and food provided by Butch Salads will be available throughout the evening.

✨ And here’s the bonus:

All attendees will receive a free ticket to SKATE at Somerset House – one of London’s most iconic winter experiences. Glide across the ice in a stunning cultural setting, surrounded by music, lights, and the magic of the season.