We’re pleased to share with you a series of quick read articles for use by artists and commissioners when thinking about public art projects.

Funding for public art commissions is often drawn down from multiple sources which could include:

* Section 106/ planning conditions;

* Arts Council England – various strands at differing scales (Project Grants; Place Partnership Fund etc.);

* Opportunities from the Central Government’s, including the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and other sources of national government funding:

* Trusts and Foundations (National/ Local);

* Heritage – e.g. National Lottery Heritage Fund; Historic England;

* Community – e.g. National Lottery Community Fund;

* Health & Wellbeing – e.g. Wellcome Trust;

* Digital / Innovation – e.g. Arts Council England, Creative UK;

* Landfill Tax Credits – various schemes based on your location;

* Local funds e.g. Town / Parish Councils;

* Private donation/ business sponsorship;

* Individuals – crowdfunding etc.

For more detailed guidance and resources visit Wakefield’s Public art web pages https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/culture-and-heritage/public-art/

These resources were developed as part of UNBOUND, an artist training & mentoring development programme for artists seeking to develop their practice to deliver artworks in public spaces, which was delivered by BEAM and YVAN in 2024/25. It was part of Our Year, and was funded by Wakefield Council, Cultural Development Fund and West Yorkshire Combined Authority.