The Arts Council understands arts participation to describe a broad continuum of arts practice where professional artists collaborate with individuals or groups (non arts professionals) to make or interpret art. The practice involves a mutually beneficial two-way engagement that values the different ideas, experiences and skills of all involved.

The Arts Council acknowledges that the area of arts participation includes many strands, each with its own set of knowledge, expertise and cross-sector partnerships; and currently subdivides the area into the following contexts: communities of place and/or interest, health, disability, cultural diversity, older people.

For more information about Arts Council supports in the area of arts participation please see the Arts Participation page on the website.

An arts participation bursary award proposal may include a collaborative arts practice / workshop / project element, but delivery of a project is not the focus of this award. The award is intended to provide artists with protected time and resources, to think, research, reflect and develop their arts participation / collaborative arts practice. A proposal should include elements such as critical reflection, research, mentoring, dialogue and the initiation / development of strategic partnerships, alongside any elements of collaborative arts practice.

The purpose of an arts participation project award is to support delivery of an artistically compelling and feasible project. Project delivery is concerned with project aims, partners, funders, participants/collaborators, planning, delivery, presentation, evaluation etc.

The priority in a project award is the project and project delivery. The priority for a bursary award is the artist and the exploration and development of the artist’s practice.

Please read section 1.2 of the respective award guidelines for more information about the objective and priorities of each award.