Creative Industries Clusters round 2 (invite only)
Funding for four UK Creative Industries Clusters to foster university-industry collaboration, drive research and innovation, and promote EDI and sustainability in the creative sector.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: March 3, 2026 (Outline stage) | July 22, 2026 (Full application, invite only)
Funding Amounts: Up to £6.75 million per cluster (80% FEC, up to 5 years); total fund £27 million; minimum 50% leverage required.
Summary: Funding for four new UK Creative Industries Clusters to drive university-industry collaboration, innovation, and sector growth, with a focus on EDI and sustainability.
Key Information: Invitation-only: only applicants successful at outline stage may submit a full application.
Description
This opportunity, managed by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) under UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), aims to establish four new Creative Industries Clusters across the UK. Each cluster must bring together universities, businesses, policymakers, and private funders to address distinct regional or sub-sector challenges, drive research and innovation, and deliver economic, social, and cultural benefits. The programme emphasizes collaborative R&D, skills and talent development, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and environmental sustainability. Clusters are expected to demonstrate strong industry integration, leverage significant co-investment, and deliver measurable impact aligned with the UK’s Creative Industries Sector Plan.
