Charitable organisations in Brighton are being invited to apply for grants of up to £30,000 after the Regional Creatives Fund reopened for 2026.
The fund, established by Amazon in 2025, supports UK charities, Community Interest Companies and Charitable Incorporated Organisations that help people from underserved communities build pathways into creative industry careers.
Applications are now open and close on 2 August 2026.
The fund is open to organisations working across the creative industries, including music, TV, podcasting, gaming, fashion, photography, journalism, comedy, theatre, publishing, digital design, visual arts and live events.
In 2025, Brighton-based charity AudioActive received £29,627 from the Regional Creatives Fund. The non-profit music organisation works across Sussex, offering free programmes, mentoring and creative development for young people aged 12 to 25, particularly those who may not otherwise have access to creative opportunities.
AudioActive supports young people to develop skills, confidence and a voice through music, while using creativity as a way to drive social change.
The return of the fund could provide another opportunity for Brighton and Sussex organisations to grow creative programmes that are already making a difference in their communities.
The 2026 Regional Creatives Fund was launched at the National Theatre in London by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. It aims to widen access to creative careers for people from underserved and underrepresented communities, while supporting organisations already delivering practical skills, training and industry opportunities.
Single organisations can apply for grants of up to £30,000, while partnerships or consortiums working together in the same region may be able to apply for up to £100,000.
Applications are welcome from small to mid-sized registered UK charities, CICs and CIOs with an annual income below £5 million. Applicants must already be running a programme that helps people from underserved communities gain skills for careers in the creative industries.
The fund is designed to support a wide range of creative career pathways, from music production, theatre and live events to film, television, podcasting, gaming, fashion, journalism, photography, design, comedy and publishing.
Applicants must be able to show how the funding would help expand, sustain or reimagine an existing programme that is already creating impact. This could include projects such as music production training, industry placements, portfolio development, digital skills programmes, mentoring or other forms of creative career support.
Alongside grant funding, the Regional Creatives Fund also offers access to pro bono support from Amazon’s creative teams. This can include mentoring, work experience, placements and digital training delivered by professionals from areas including Amazon Music, Prime Video and Amazon Games.
The support is designed to benefit both staff at community organisations and the people taking part in their programmes.
Funding will be awarded by an independent expert judging panel, including senior figures from Amazon, the National Theatre, BAFTA, Arts Council England, NI Screen, Creative Wales, Help Musicians, Audible and the Culture, Media and Sport Committee.
Applications will be assessed on creative purpose, real-world impact, deliverability, inclusion and the ability to build on existing work. Strong proposals will be expected to show a clear plan, meaningful industry links and a commitment to helping underrepresented voices access creative careers.
The Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said:
“The UK’s Creative Industries are the best in the world, from film and TV to theatre and music production. The creative sector is a leading driver of economic growth and a provider of good jobs. This Government is determined that access to those jobs should be spread across the country, and available to everyone, everywhere.
“I’m really pleased to have worked with Amazon during the recent Greater Together LA conference to secure further investment in their Regional Creatives Fund, a great scheme that is investing directly in people’s potential.”
James Dibbo, Amazon VP and CFO for Global Entertainment, said:
“Amazon is significantly invested in the success of the UK’s creative industries. This includes working together with the UK government to unlock creative opportunities across every nation and region of the country.
“After seeing the incredible impact of our first awardees, we are delighted that the Regional Creatives Fund is now reopen for applications. Where you start should not determine how far you go, and we want to help build a future where creativity belongs to everyone, everywhere.”
Brighton has a strong creative scene, with organisations working across music, performance, digital media, arts, youth engagement and community development.
For local charities and creative organisations already supporting young people or underserved communities, the Regional Creatives Fund could offer valuable support to grow their work, reach more people and strengthen pathways into the creative industries.
Applications close on 2 August 2026.