Organizer Information
The Elephant Trust is a UK-registered charitable trust established in 1975 by artists and cultural figures Roland Penrose and Lee Miller. Its original purpose was to help artists and organizations presenting their work overcome financial barriers that prevent creative projects from being realized. The Trust supports artistic initiatives that challenge conventional approaches and introduce original, distinctive possibilities within contemporary art.
With a particular emphasis on the fine arts, the organization provides financial assistance to individual artists and smaller arts organizations and galleries. Its funding policy favors imaginative proposals that enable artists to develop and produce new work or create exhibitions. Rather than operating as a conventional competition with a single winner, the Trust evaluates applications for financial support according to its artistic priorities and available resources.
The Elephant Trust is a registered charity in the United Kingdom (charity number 269615). Its main grant program is open to applications, while the separate Joanna Drew Travel Bursary operates on an invitation-only basis.
Title & Description
The Elephant Trust Grants for New Artistic Work
The Elephant Trust invites eligible artists, small arts organizations, and galleries to apply for financial support for the development and production of new artistic work or exhibitions in the United Kingdom. The program is intended to help applicants overcome funding obstacles and bring ambitious, original, and unconventional creative projects to completion.
The Trust encourages proposals that demonstrate artistic imagination, independence, and a willingness to explore new possibilities in the visual arts. Applicants should explain the purpose of their project, what they intend to create or present, and how the proposed funding will help make the work possible.
This opportunity is particularly relevant to fine artists and smaller organizations seeking financial assistance for a clearly defined creative project. It is a grant program, not a residency, training course, or exhibition open call with guaranteed presentation opportunities. Funding is awarded to support qualifying projects rather than to provide general educational or research assistance.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Fine Art
- Contemporary Art
- Exhibition Development and Production
- New Artistic Work
The Trust's primary focus is the visual arts. Applicants should ensure that their proposed project aligns with the organization's objectives and funding restrictions.
Eligibility
The main fund prioritizes individual fine artists, small arts organizations, and galleries presenting imaginative proposals for new work or exhibitions.
Geographical eligibility: Projects must take place in the United Kingdom. Projects outside the UK are not supported.
Ineligible applicants and projects include:
- Students.
- Arts festivals and group exhibitions.
- Charities organizing community projects.
- Educational projects and studies.
- Residencies and research projects.
- Symposia and conferences.
- Theatre projects.
- Catalogues and monographs.
- Projects with a total budget exceeding £30,000.
- Applicants who have received support from the Trust within the previous two years.
The guidelines do not specify a general age limit, gender restriction, or requirement for UK citizenship. Applicants should confirm any individual circumstances directly with the Trust if necessary.
Program Benefits & Awards
Successful applicants receive financial grants to help realize their proposed artistic projects.
- Grant amount: Typically £2,000–£5,000, depending on the project and available funding.
- Creative development: Financial assistance for producing new work and developing exhibitions.
- Potential additional funding: Successful applicants may be able to use the award to help secure further support from other funders, including Arts Council organizations.
- Support for independent practice: The program helps artists and smaller arts organizations overcome financial barriers to realizing ambitious projects.
The Trust does not guarantee exhibition space, accommodation, travel expenses, mentorship, or residency placements through its main grant program. The award is intended primarily as financial support for eligible creative projects.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 18 October 2026
Location
Additional Details
The Elephant Trust emphasizes originality, open-mindedness, and experimentation across artistic practices, with a particular focus on visual art. Applicants should present a convincing case for why their project matters and how the requested grant will contribute to its realization.
The Trust advises successful applicants to wait at least two years before reapplying for support for a new project. Applicants should also note that the trustees reserve the right to discard submissions that do not comply with the application guidelines.
The Joanna Drew Travel Bursary is a separate initiative administered by the Trust and is available by invitation only; it should not be confused with the main open application fund.