Our Programmes

Northern Ballet. Photo: Emily Nuttall

Aim: We support training opportunities for professionals, working creatively and backstage, within the performing and visual arts, at an early stage in their careers.

How: We’re interested in programmes that nurture the talent of professional performing artists, creatives and those working in backstage roles. 

Organisations applying must be UK Registered Charities in the arts sector, delivering high quality and professional work with a strong track record.

Programmes eligible for support will be designed for early-stage professionals trained to the highest level and/or with equivalent relevant experience.

Priority will be given to applications where the programmes provide an opportunity or opportunities for meaningful performance.

Idlewild does not fund private sector or state higher, secondary or primary education institutions, including universities, schools, colleges, or conservatoires or ensembles, choirs, orchestras, theatres etc, where support for emerging talent consists purely in providing employment.

Read our Funding Guidelines for detailed information on our programmes and then go to Apply for a Grant.

Old Royal Naval College. Photo: Paine and Stewart Ltd 2022

Aim: We support the conservation of cultural heritage of recognized national and international importance in museums, libraries, galleries, historic buildings or landscapes accessible to the public.

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, and wall paintings. Works must be in museums, galleries, and historic buildings or their grounds, and be accessible to the public. Priority will be given to applications that include a knowledge sharing element as an outcome of the project. We are committed to sharing the knowledge and experience of conservators to a wider audience, so depending on the size and resources available within the project we will be looking for knowledge sharing with professional colleagues, for example a webinar, lecture, or published article. A public engagement activity that helps to improve the public understanding of conservation practice is encouraged. 

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. Organisations applying must be UK Registered Charities or national museums that are UK Exempt Charities.  

Read our Funding Guidelines for detailed information and then go to Apply for a Grant.