ArtRoots is now open to communities in England for the first time. The 2026 to 2027 funding round is open from 14th July until 11th August 2026.
Credit: Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
ArtRoots England is funded by Active Travel England.
ArtRoots is now open to communities in England for the first time. The 2026 to 2027 funding round is open from 14th July until 11th August 2026.
The standard grant is £2,500. A higher award of up to £6,000 is available for projects which can demonstrate significantly increased outcomes. No match funding is required.
The fund is open to constituted community groups based in England. Non-constituted groups, organisations and individuals are also considered.
We will share details of funded projects in England here once the programme is underway.
Guidance
Before you apply, please read the ArtRoots Guidelines carefully. They cover everything you need to know to make a successful application, including eligibility, what costs can be funded, and any permissions or insurance you may need.
ArtRoots England is funded by Active Travel England as part of the government’s commitment to supporting active travel communities across the country.
Key things to know before you apply
Your project must be on or directly adjacent to a traffic-free National Cycle Network route in England
Permanent artworks require written landowner permission and a maintenance plan
Some projects may require public liability insurance
Funding may be claimed in advance of a project commencing or after completion, subject to agreement
The standard grant is £2,500; up to £6,000 is available for projects showing significantly increased outcomes
The application process
Read the guidelines
Complete an Expression of Interest
Hear back from us within three weeks of the closing date
Submit your full application within 3 weeks of being invited
Receive a decision within 4 weeks
Sign a grant agreement
Claim your grant (funding may take up to 4 weeks to be received after submission of required documents)
Complete your project and submit a final report with evaluation, feedback and photographs
Expression of Interest
Before submitting a full application, all applicants must complete an Expression of Interest (EoI). This helps us understand your project idea and make sure ArtRoots is the right fund for you.
The EoI form is open from 14 July to 11 August 2026. All applicants will hear back from the ArtRoots team within 3 weeks of the closing date.
What to include in your EoI
A short description of your project idea
The location on the traffic-free National Cycle Network
Who will be leading the project
An initial budget estimate
Complete an Expression of Interest
Fill in the Expression of Interest here.
What happens next?
We will review your EoI and contact you within 2 weeks. If your project looks like a good fit for ArtRoots, we will invite you to submit a full application. You will have 3 weeks from that invitation to submit your full application.
Apply for the grant
If you have been invited to apply following your Expression of Interest, you will receive a link to submit your full application. You have 3 weeks from the date of your invitation to submit all required documents.
What you will need
A completed application form
A project budget
Evidence of community involvement or consultation
Landowner permission, if relevant
A maintenance plan, for permanent artworks
Evidence of public liability insurance, if required
If you have not yet completed an Expression of Interest, please do that first. You can find more information about the process in the ArtRoots England guidelines.
