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Workshops that teach artists how to apply for arts funding

Alira Arts runs fundraising workshops and masterclasses for individual artists, charities and creative organisations: strong grant applications, funding criteria and sustainable fundraising strategies.

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A diverse audience attentively listens during an indoor seminar, showcasing a collaborative learning environment.

Who will benefit

Emerging artists planning their first funded project

Mid-career artists looking to scale up their work and audiences

Creative producers or project managers working with artist-led projects

Junior fundraisers at arts organisations who support artists

Artist collectives and small arts organisations building in-house skills

What the masterclasses cover

Grant writing and applications

Find suitable grants and learn how to write clear, compelling applications. You will draft or refine a real grant application during the session.

Major donor basics for creatives

Learn how to spot potential donors and build simple relationships. You create a basic stewardship plan and a meeting script you can use.

Campaign planning and fundraising calendars

Plan a small campaign or project appeal from scratch. You build a simple calendar with tasks, deadlines and milestones.

Budgeting and financials for funders

Prepare a straightforward budget for grant applications, and show match funding and cash flow basics clearly.

Reporting and funder stewardship

Write short reports and thank-yous that keep funders happy. You practise writing a 300-word funder update.

Templates, tools and follow-up support

Templates for applications, budgets, calendars and reports. Afterwards, send us your first draft for a short review.

Choose a masterclass

Funding Your Career in
the Arts

For organisations working with early career artists or recent graduates.

A one-and-a-half-hour masterclass on the move from education to subsidised arts funding: planning, funding options and strategies.

IDEAL FOR LARGE GROUPS

Fundraising 101

For groups with recent graduates, new arts organisations, or artists brand new to fundraising.

A half-day workshop: income streams, how to begin a grant application and what funders look for, with plenty of time for Q&A.

IDEAL FOR LARGE GROUPS

Get Money: Make Art

For artists and organisations who know what they want to do but need help securing funding.

An interactive full-day session with planning tools, an application review session and expert feedback on your work.

WORKS BEST FOR GROUPS OF 5 TO 50

What artists say

"Thank you for this opportunity and expanding my knowledge"

Anna, emerging artist

"It was so helpful. I have been looking for where I can find this information. It was amazing training."

Eric, emerging artist

"Very well presented workshop and excellent facilities."

Cameron, emerging artist

"The in-depth explanation of the Arts Council application was extremely useful."

Jeff, emerging artist

"After this workshop, I felt really confident with my first funding application."

Kelly, emerging artist

"Thank you so much, this was a career-changing event!"

Jon, emerging artist

Outcomes you can expect

Higher-quality grant applications and clearer project budgets.

A simple donor cultivation plan to start approaching supporters.

A 12-month fundraising calendar tailored to your next project.

Time-saving templates that improve consistency and professionalism.

Arched Seminar Audience with Yellow Circle

Questions we are asked

  • Yes. Alira Arts delivers fundraising workshops and masterclasses designed specifically to teach artists how to apply for Arts Council and trust funding, including how to structure applications, demonstrate impact, and meet funder criteria.

  • Alira Arts offers short fundraising courses, masterclasses, and tailored workshops for individual artists, charities, and creative organisations across the UK.

  • Yes…

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