A change of approach for 2021. The trustees are very aware that the experience of the Covid-19 virus in 2020 has had a devastating effect on artists. Many artists have not been able to continue with projects, exhibitions and performances affecting their livelihood as well as the ability to share their work. Some have found ways to share their work through online networks but this does not always generate an income.
In considering this situation the trustees have decided to change their approach to evaluating applications. We want to help and encourage those who are trying to keep producing work despite the pandemic and are finding ways to adapt. We are also open to requests for help from those whose projects have been cancelled because of the pandemic and whose main source of income is from their art. But as we only have limited funds we will only be able to offer small amounts so we will aim to help those for whom a small amount will make a significant difference.
The trustees will meet in January 2021 to consider applications. As is normal with our applications we are looking for evidence of the Christian commitment of the artist and also of the quality of artistic work in the recent past. Although the application form will stay the same, if you need special help please add a note describing your situation in under 250 words and send it with the application form and ensure that you have given an email address. Please submit applications by 2nd January 2021.
1. The Christian Arts Trust is a Registered Charity (no 282582) which, according to its deed, exists for
- The advancement of the Christian faith
- The encouragement, promotion and development of public appreciation in those arts which are essentially consistent with the Christian faith and have as their primary purpose the propagation of Christian truth and ideals.
- Applicants should first of all ask themselves whether their aims, individually and corporately, are consistent with the objects of the Trust.
2. The Trust does not engage in sponsorship, but makes charitable gifts from time to time. Such gifts are not large – typically in the range £500-£2000 – and are intended to encourage artists to develop their projects and help “get them off the ground”, rather than to provide major funding, which is outside the range of the Trust.
3. The Trust reserves the right to inspect a project to ensure that it is both Christian and professional. This might involve two Trustees reading a script, seeing a performance or viewing a work of art.
4. A registered company, whether or not it is a charitable company, may be asked to produce a copy of its Memorandum of Association to ensure that its objects accord with the objects of the Trust. Other forms of association, which are not registered companies, may be asked to produce copies of their constitution or other document of incorporation. Individual artists may be asked to produce evidence of previous work and the names of two referees.
5. Applications should be made via our online application form here. If possible this should be sent by email to the Executive Secretary at info@christianartstrust.org.uk. If there are supporting documents which cannot be emailed then please send by post to Executive Secretary, Christian Arts Trust, 24 Greencoat Place, London SW1P 1RD.
6. The Trust meets twice a year, in May (postponed for 2020) and November. Applications should reach the Executive Secretary no later that 1 April and 1 October respectively. Consideration of applications received after those dates may be held over until the next meeting.
The Trustees have registered a strong preference for supporting single arts projects, such as performances, exhibitions or commissions and do not support training, education, administration or other ongoing expenditure.
7. The Trustees regret that for the time being they are unable to consider applications for grants from outside the UK.
