(Photo by Annalees Lim)

Potential applicants of our 2025-26 commission funding attended an FAQ session to ask questions to two of our Partnership members.

Below are the some of the frequently asked questions:

Is it possible to apply as an individual? Do I need to be an organisation?
You can apply as an individual, you do not need to be a part of an organisation. You will however need a valid DBS and public liability insurance.

What do we mean by return on investment?
We would like to see that the investment that we have made in your project has been profitable in the sense that it has provided a valuable outcome either for the community, the cultural sector, or yourself. Whether this is showing that the project has generated income for the community or the sector, or showing that the project has been able to reach X amount of people and has improved their wellbeing, for example. We are not expecting there to be a large monetary return, but rather something that shows the value that your project has brought, either holistically or financially.

What is total available pot of funding available?
The total funding available is £30,000. We are offering projects up to the value of £10,000 per project. This may mean that a larger project applies for £10,000, but a smaller project which doesn’t require as much might apply for £5000, for example. As such we are looking to fund at least 3 projects, perhaps more, depending on the amount of funding which is requested by those highest scoring applications.

Can you share some successful case studies of previous projects you have funded?
Our projects which we are currently funding, and have previously funded are available to view on the website under ‘Projects’. You can see here the kinds of projects which have been successful for funding in the past and the kind of legacy they offer. We are equally looking for new, exciting, and unusual ideas which we have not funded before.

Who are the member boroughs in Arts Partnership Surrey?
Waverley, Elmbridge, Spelthorne. Runnymede, and Surrey Heath. These boroughs/districts are our priority boroughs to have delivery in as they are fee-paying members, and so are those who contribute to the funding pot. A strong application would have delivery planned for all or most of the member boroughs. Boroughs in Surrey which are not listed above are not fee-paying members of the Partnership, and so, whilst an application will not be discounted because it would like to deliver in a non-member borough, it will be something that will need to be evaluated and discussed when assessing applications.

Is it possible to apply with a project which is reliant of fundraising money for the remainder of it’s cost?
It is possible to apply with a project which is reliant of fundraising money for the remainder of it’s cost. However, it would be very preferable if this money was fundraised and secured in advance of the application, as this would present a risk factor to the project if you were unable to raise the funds and the project could not go ahead.

Is it possible to apply for APS funded if you have already received funding from APS?
Yes, you are still able to apply for funding if you have previous been successful in other funding rounds. In this instance, the Partnership would want to see what else the extra funding is being able to provide, how the project is being improved etc. The Partnership fund however should not be relied upon beyond the year of commission which you are applying for as there is no guarantee that it would be picked up for the following year.

What is a surgery slot?
A surgery slot is a 20-minute online session for potential applicants to discuss their project idea in detail with two of our members. In these sessions, you can ask specific questions about your project and our members can help you to develop/strengthen your project to ensure that it is appropriate and meets the needs of the commission funding. You can book a surgery slot here.