Our programmes

Idlewild Trust awards grants in two areas within the Arts and Conservation. Here you can find details of our two programmes with a link to our Funding Guidelines, and also read four recent case studies.
  • £174,264
    Awarded in 2022
  • 40
    Grants awarded
  • £4,355
    Average grant

Arts

Nurturing early stage professionals

Royal Scottish National Orchestra: Composers' Hub

Aim: We want to improve opportunities for professionals working creatively in the arts at an early stage in their careers.

How: We're interested in programmes that encourage and nurture the talent of professional musicians, dancers, actors, writers and artists in the performing, fine and applied arts at an early stage in their careers. Organisations applying should be UK Registered Charities in the arts sector, delivering high quality and professional work with a strong track record. Programmes should be for talented early stage professionals with existing training or very relevant experience. 

Idlewild Trust also funds programmes for other early stage professionals working creatively within the arts including composers, curators and theatre-makers (directors, designers, producers, writers and choreographers).

Idlewild Trust doesn't fund private or state higher, secondary or primary education institutions including universities, schools, colleges or conservatoires. 

Next stage: Please read our Funding Guidelines for detailed information on our programmes and then go to Apply for a Grant.

Conservation

Objects and Works of Art

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery: 'Landscape of Carlisle in the Distance' by Sam Bough: photo:  Lancashire Conservation Studios, Lancashire County Council Museum Services

Aim: We support the conservation of important works of art and objects that are being lost through the lack of funds to look after these works. 

How: We're interested in projects that aim to conserve historic or artistically important objects and works of art including artefacts, textiles, furniture, metalwork, manuscripts,  wall paintings, tombs and stained glass of high quality.  Works must be in museums, galleries, places of worship, and historic buildings or their grounds, and be accessible to the public.

A Conservation Report by an independent and accredited conservator needs to be completed before you apply to us. The report should include independent authentication, information on condition, proposed treatment and cost. If your organisation has an in-house, qualified conservator, we'll accept an internal Conservation Report if the conservator is accredited with ICON. Organisations applying should be UK Registered Charities, national museums that are UK Publicly Exempt Charities or churches that are Excepted Charities. 

Next stage: Please read our Funding Guidelines for detailed information and then go to Apply for a Grant.