You can listen to a recorded version of this callout here.
In partnership with Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council (BMBC), Helix Arts, Leeds Institute For Societal Futures (LISF, University of Leeds), London Arts and Health, and the West Yorkshire Creative Health Consortium, we are offering a total of 10 sponsored bursaries to attend Common Ground, 7-9 October 2026 at Barnsley Civic.
Deadline for submissions: 5pm, Friday 14 August 2026
We warmly encourage proposals from freelance or low-income creative practitioners working across arts, health and education settings, and those who are often excluded from access, visibility and leadership within the cultural and health sectors. This can include people of diverse racial and cultural heritages, LGBTQ+ communities, Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people, people living with long-term health conditions, and younger people.
Applications will be assessed by the Culture, Health & Wellbeing Alliance. The following conditions apply to each sponsored bursary(ies):
Barnsley Public Health Innovation Fund (5 places): local artists, low-income staff working within creative health and/or young or emerging creatives wanting to enter the sector. Applicants must be based in Barnsley.
London Arts and Health (1 place): Practice should encompass climate, health and creativity; must be based in London.
Helix Arts (1 place): Must be based in the North East of England
Leeds Institute for Societal Futures, University of Leeds (1 place): Applicants must be based in West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire Combined Authority Creative Health Consortium (National Creative Health Hub, University of Huddersfield in partnership with: Bradford Culture Company, Bradford ICB, South West Yorkshire Partnership Foundation Trust, Kirklees Council and Hoot Creative Arts, Leeds Arts Health and Wellbeing Network and Forum Central Leeds, Wakefield Council) (2 places): Applicants must be based in West Yorkshire.
Each bursary recipient will receive:
- One free ticket to the conference (for all 3 days or any combination), including food and refreshments as part of the catering offer
- A £250 stipend - this can be used for whatever the practitioner needs – e.g. travel, accommodation, or to cover their time
How to Apply
We’d really like to see you at our conference! If you feel you meet the criteria for one or more of the bursaries, please complete your application by 5pm on Friday 14 August in one of the following ways:
- Fill out this Google form (there is an option to submit an audio or video file on the form - you will be asked to sign in)
- Download the Word version here and email to [email protected]
- Send an audio or video file, answering the form questions only, to [email protected]
If we can support you in the process of applying, or if you have any other questions, email [email protected].
We will do our best to inform you of the outcome within 2 weeks of the deadline.
