Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund
Our main grants range from £5,000 to £35,000. Smaller grants of up to £5,000 are also available for the research and development of loans projects.
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The Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund helps regional and smaller museums to borrow works of outstanding quality and significance from national and major lending institutions.
The programme is generously supported by the Garfield Weston Foundation. Since its launch in 2017, we have delivered seven rounds of funding, awarding £1.3m to 78 museums. The scheme increases access to notable objects, shares resources across the UK, helps develop relationships, and brings lasting benefits to borrowers, lenders and audiences.
Grants of up to £35,000 are available to cover the practical elements of strategic loans projects. The programme also funds activities to maximise the impact of the loaned items and to develop the skills of museum professionals.
By selecting and displaying high-profile objects, a borrowing institution can elevate its own collection and status, increase its capacity, engage different communities, and draw out new stories of local relevance.
Submitting your application
If you are experiencing issues with uploading your application through your Art Fund account please note that we can accept your application via email. Please send your application, using the Word template along with any other materials to programmes@artfund.org using the subject line ‘Weston Loan Programme application’.
What we can fund
Who can apply
Key dates
Grants available
The following categories of grant are available through the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund.
Main grants
Grants to cover the costs associated with securing, displaying and publicising a loan.
Next application deadline: Friday 15 December 2023
Decision by: Friday 8 March 2024
Application rounds: October 2023, September 2024 and September 2025
Research and development grants
We can provide up to £5,000 to support the development of your plans for a loans project. Activities might include research, travel and consultation.
Next application deadline: Friday 15 December 2023
Decision by: Friday 8 March 2024
Application rounds: October 2023, September 2024 and September 2025
How to apply
Your application
Read the guidance
Download the Guidance for applicants which explains our criteria for funding, helps you apply for a grant and gives you guidance on filling out the application form.
Get in touch
If you haven’t found what you need in the Guidance for applicants, book a call with the team or get in touch by email to discuss your application.
Submit your application
If you are experiencing issues with uploading your application through your Art Fund account please note that we can accept your application via email. Please send your application, using the Word template along with any other materials to programmes@artfund.org using the subject line ‘Weston Loan Programme application’.
To submit via my Art Fund, log in to your My Art Fund account, or create an account. You must be registered as a professional user. If you already have a My Art Fund account, but are not registered as a professional user, you can add your professional details when logged in.
After you've applied
Acknowledgement of application
We will inform you as soon as the panel has made a decision.
Claim your grant
If your application is successful, we will send you our offer paperwork with more details on how to claim your grant.
Follow on relationship
After you’ve claimed your grant, and once you are a partner of the National Art Pass network, we’ll help you promote your venue and support you thanks to our expert teams.