Last year we asked artists to sign a petition which asked the Arts Council to change one of the conditions attached to some of their funding streams which stated:

"We cannot accept applications from those employed or contracted on a fulltime basis by an arts organisation funded through Arts Council programmes or through direct state subsidy or by a commercial arts entity"

We see that this condition has been changed in the latest guidelines for the 2025 Bursary. Instead, the onus is placed on the applicant, in full time work, to show how the funding will allow them to step away from work to concentrate on their career.

Although this is not ideal, it is an improvement, and will allow more artists the equitable opportunity to apply and make their case.

We will continue to monitor this, as it is clear that penalising artists who need to have other income streams is not entirely equitable.

Thank you to everyone who signed the petition...