Big Imaginations Artist Imagination Fund
About the Fund
Another year of Big Imaginations Artist Imagination Fund, funding is upon us! And we're so excited to hear from you about the idea(s) that you have for performance work for children and families.
The Big Imaginations Network is on the lookout for artists to support them to develop their ideas! We're looking for artists who are making/want to make work for children and families and are based in the North-West and South-West Yorkshire. We're especially interested in hearing from anyone who has protected characteristics.
We’re excited to announce our AIF support package for 2026/27. This package exists to support artists who have an idea that they want to explore. This might be:
An initial idea you want to play around with
Something you want to take into an R&D process.
An idea you plan to apply to Arts Council England for and want match funding.
The Big Imaginations Network is committed to supporting, and encourages applications from, disabled and culturally diverse artists. We have additional finances to support artists if they have access needs, to ensure artists have what they need to create their best work.
If you'd like to apply, you can find the application form here: The Application Form
The application opens on Thursday 30th April 2026 and will close on Tuesday 30th June 2026.
The Big Imaginations Artist Imagination Fund is open to all artists and companies developing or creating performance work for young audiences (0 - 11) in the Big Imaginations catchment area. Applicants should be based in the North-West and be able to work in a location close to a Big Imaginations organisation (see here list of organisations).
As this form requires you to complete all question before moving onto the next section, we have provided a PDF version of the form so you can plan your application before you complete and submit. The application PDF can be found here.
Information Coffee Morning
Big Imaginations are hosting an online 'Coffee Morning' style event that you can join free of charge to learn more about the network, it's members and the Artist Imagination Fund itself. It will be a great opportunity to connect with us and learn about the network and get answers to questions you may have about the application form.
The information session will be on Wednesday 13th May 2026, 10:30am - 11:30am, online via ZOOM and can be booked here: AIF Coffee Morning Booking
Additionally, Producer, Isah-Levi Roach, will also be offering 15 - 30 minute one to one sessions.
These can be booked via a calendly link:
https://calendly.com/isah-levi/artist-1-2-1