Creative People and Places 2025-28: FAQs
These FAQs were first published on 11 October 2023. This is a live document, and we will keep these FAQs updated with the latest information.
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We are extending the 2022-25 Creative People and Places National Portfolio for one year, until 31 March 2026. This means that the 2025-28 Creative People and Places National Portfolio process will now take place 2026-29.
We hope that the extension will provide security and stability to current CPPs, and provide further time for developing plans for those interested in applying to the next portfolio. Though we recognise that this will be disappointing news for some.
On this page you can find three sets of Frequently Asked Questions. One set of FAQs is for everyone, the second is for current CPPs, and the third is for organisations who had already expressed interest in applying to the 2025-28 round (now to be 2026-29).
Please take a look at this information in your own time. We will provide updates on revised timelines in the coming weeks and months.
FAQS for everyone
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When will the new programme open?
The new 2026-29 programme will open in Autumn 2024. We will share a more detailed timeline in early 2024, including when to expect the Guidance for Applicants for the new programme
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Will we still be eligible?
All of the 142 eligible places we recently announced for 2025-28 will be eligible for the 2026-29 CPP programme.
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What time frame will the new programme cover when it does open?
We are planning for this new programme to cover three years (April 2026 to March 2029). This is the same length as the postponed 2025-28 programme would have covered.
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Why have you decided to extend the programme at such at late date?
Our National Council made this decision in consideration of the challenges facing organisations following the Covid-19 pandemic, and the rising cost of living. We want to remain flexible and responsive to the needs of the sector in the delivery of our funding programmes.
We hope that the extension will provide security and stability to the current Creative People and Places projects, and further time for developing plans for those interested in applying to the next round.
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How can I keep updated on the new programme dates?
We will publish updates on our website and in our e-newsletters as well as communicating directly with current CPPs and people who have let us know they’re happy for us to contact them via the register of interest.
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Is the Creative People and Places programme still going to be part of the Arts Council’s wider National Portfolio?
Yes. All current Creative People and Places are already part of the Arts Council’s wider National Portfolio of regular investment in creativity and culture in England, and all of those extended for a year will continue to be part of the National Portfolio. The new programme when it opens will also be part of the National Portfolio
FAQS for current CPPs
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Do we need to apply for the extension year?
Yes. The Creative People and Places programme is funded by the public, thanks to the National Lottery. Current CPPs will be invited to apply for extension year funding through a simple application process. More details of which, including the Guidance for Applicants, will be shared in due course.
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When do we need to apply?
You will be invited to apply in early 2024. We are finalising the timeline at the moment, and we will share an update about when current CPPs can expect the Guidance for Applicants, and the application window, as soon as we can.
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How much money will we get for the extension year and how has it been calculated?
Current programmes will be eligible to apply for their current funding amount, pro-rated for 1 year.
For example, if you received £600,000 over three years, the amount for the extension would be £200,000
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What will happen if we haven’t spent our existing grant before 31 March 2025?
We will be closing all existing grants and reissuing a funding agreement for the extension year, starting 1 April 2025 and ending 31 March 2026. Apart from final payments, which are due at the end of April 2025, any payments that have not been requested and released by 31 March 2025 will not be payable, and you will begin a new funding agreement and payment schedule on 1 April 2025.
If you believe you will be in a position where you will be underspent by 31 March 2025, you should speak to your Relationship Manager
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Can we change the accountable body for the extension year?
In exceptional circumstances, and with prior permission from Arts Council England, we will accept applications from a nominated replacement lead organisation, to apply to become the accountable body for this extension year funding round. The new lead organisation must be an existing member of the current consortium. If you are considering changing your accountable body (‘lead organisation’), you must notify your Relationship Manager as soon as possible, and no later than 31 January 2025.
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Can we change consortium members for the extension year?
It is possible for consortium members to change in the same way as it is during the current programme. This would need to be reflected in new partnership agreements. This is different to changing the lead organisation.
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Can we include new geographical areas for the extension year?
As the extension year is based on an existing funding agreement the geographical areas will need to remain the same. Geographical areas can change when you apply to the new programme for 2026-29.
FAQs for organisations interested in applying for CPP 2026-2029
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Can we apply to National Lottery Project Grants to develop our application for the 2026-29 Creative People and Places programme?
National Lottery Project Grants is our open access funding programme. While there isn’t a specific criterion around funding places to develop an application to
CPP, there may be aspects of activity in your development work that fit under the wider NLPG criteria, which would be eligible for funding.
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Is there any guidance to help us develop our application over the next year?
We have published a short document on the Principles of Creative People and Places to help you in your thinking over this development year. This is not intended to replace any future guidance for applicants, but it does give an indication of the kinds of things it may be helpful to be considering.
You may also find it useful to look at the CPP learning pages on our website.
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Can we talk to local Arts Council staff about this?
In the first instance we would encourage you to use the ‘Principles of Creative People and Places’ resource, which you can find on our website. You can also look at our guidance on National Lottery Project Grants.