This is a unique investment programme between the UK arts councils and leading German cultural institutions that supports the development of cross-border partnerships. Now in its fifth year, the funding has enabled arts organisations that place communities at the heart of their work, to build and develop new partnerships that allow exploration and exchange of practice across the UK and Germany.

The Fund is open to all arts and cultural organisations with proven expertise in socially engaged/participatory practice. Partnerships must be bi-lateral, including at least one German partner and one UK partner, from any one of the four nations: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The total budget for the 2026-2027 programme is £370,000. It is anticipated that 20 awards will be made.

Two tiers of funding are available for activity that starts from 1 April 2026 and is completed by 31 March 2027:

Tier 1 - Practice exchange and development of new partnerships - supports the development of brand new partnerships between arts and cultural organisations in the UK and Germany. Grants of between £5,000 and £10,000 per partnership.
Tier 2 - Co-development and project delivery for established partnerships - supports further development of partnerships, where organisations already have experience of working together. Grants of up to £30,000 per partnership.

Cultural Bridge is open to all artforms. This round will prioritise support for:

Smaller arts and cultural organisations who do not already receive significant or sustained funding.
Organisations based or working with communities outside of major cities, eg, in rural areas or less populated urban centres.
Organisations who empower local communities through their creative work.
Organisations whose work aligns with the programme's aims and place themes.
Organisations who foster equity, diversity and inclusion through their leadership and practice.

The programme is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive network. The activity supported, and the workforce of arts and culture organisations funded, should reflect the diversity of the UK and Germany, and as such applications are encouraged from diversity-led organisations and from those from under-represented backgrounds.

Applications will be accepted from 1 October to 12 November 2025. For more information, please visit Funding | Cultural Bridge