GRANTS of up to £2,000 are now available to help spark new cultural and creative projects across Salisbury.

The city council confirmed today that applications to the Salisbury Culture small grants scheme are officially open.

The scheme is aimed at supporting the people and organisations who help make Salisbury’s arts scene thrive – from musicians and visual artists to community groups, creatives and small organisations with a clear connection to the city.

Whether amateur, semi-professional or professional, applicants are being encouraged to come forward with ideas that can enrich Salisbury’s cultural life during 2026.

Funding of between £500 and £2,000 is available from a total pot of £20,000.

The grants can be used to support small-scale arts and cultural activity such as performances, exhibitions, festivals and events, as well as professional development, or the testing of new creative ideas, approaches and partnerships.

Priority will be given to projects that help address gaps in cultural provision across the city.

This includes contemporary music, work that engages young people aged 14 to 25 and activity that reaches areas or communities with fewer opportunities to take part in arts and culture.

Salisbury Culture has set out clear principles for how grants will be awarded.

Projects should demonstrate high-quality, bold and ambitious work, while also showing a commitment to inclusion, equity and representation of the city’s diverse communities.

Environmental sustainability is also a key focus with applications encouraged to consider how their activity can support net-zero and environmentally friendly practices.

Applications can be made either by completing an online form or by submitting a short video of up to five minutes outlining the project.

The deadline for applications is midday on March 2, with successful applicants expected to begin their projects before the end of the year.

Those awarded funding will be asked to complete a short evaluation report once their project is finished, explaining how the grant was spent and what impact it had.

Support is available for anyone who needs help with their application, and members of Salisbury Culture may also be able to offer mentoring or guidance.

Full details, including eligibility and key dates, are available through Salisbury City Council and Salisbury Culture, with enquiries directed to Briony Adams via Salisbury Museum at salisburyculturestrategy@salisburymuseum.org.uk

Alternatively, call 01722 332151 and leave a message with the museum for a return call.

For creatives with an idea waiting to be explored, the council hopes the grants will provide the boost needed to turn plans into reality and continue Salisbury’s long tradition of cultural innovation.