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Recaps and Funding Updates
Saziso Phiri
January 12, 2026
What's In This Newsletter
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ARTiculate Post Recaps
Over the past week, I found myself revisiting old newsletter posts—reading, reflecting, and quietly taking in some of my own advice. As we navigate this season of goal-setting and begin to imagine what the year ahead might hold, here are some previous editions of the newsletter to have a read of, whether you’ve read them before, or if you’re new:
Arts Council Funding Updates
Baroness Hodge Independent Review
On 16th December, the independent Baroness Hodge review of Arts Council England (ACE) was published. Baroness Margaret Hodge, a senior UK politician and member of the House of Lords, was asked to examine how ACE distributes public funding and supports artists, freelancers, and institutions across England. Have I read the full report? Not yet, however I did skip straight to Chapter E, titled A new approach to funding individuals, which has a focus on individuals rather than institutions, and highlighted the need for direct, equitable, and longer-term support for artists, particularly those who are emerging or under-represented.
In the case of TLDR from your end, here is a summary:
Chapter E of the review recognises that individual artists are the backbone of the cultural sector, yet many face severe financial precarity, low pay, and limited protections. Freelancers, women, disabled artists, and those from under-represented backgrounds are particularly affected, making long-term careers in the arts increasingly difficult without independent support. Current funding models often favour established artists and those connected to larger institutions, leaving many emerging freelancers under-supported. Chapter E recommends direct, individual funding and mentoring, prioritising emerging artists, those from low-income or under-served communities, and under-represented groups. Grants would provide both financial stability and professional development, helping artists focus on their practice rather than managerial tasks. The chapter also calls for simpler applications, fair pay standards, and long-term career support, including networks and mentoring, so artists can grow sustainably and maintain creative momentum. While implementation will take time, the review signals a shift towards supporting artists as individuals, recognising their central role in shaping a thriving, diverse, and innovative creative ecosystem.
So in conclusion, a lot of stuff we already knew. But lets see what actually happens on the back of this!
Developing Your Creative Practice Update
The Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP) fund, a key route for individual artists to fund research, experimentation, and development, which I have spoken about a lot through this newsletter, as a former recipient, has been paused until April 2026. This has been repurposed as a Research & Development (R&D) funding strand within the National Lottery Project Grants (NLPG).
Artists can now apply for funding between £1,000–£30,000 to support research, experimentation, networking, travel, or creative development. Decisions currently take around 12 weeks. Artists who previously had unsuccessful DYCP applications can submit proposals through NLPG, as long as the project fits NLPG criteria and clearly demonstrates how it will support your practice.
Before applying: Ensure your proposal includes a clear plan and budget, demonstrates public or artistic impact, and is suited to NLPG’s application process. Consider whether to apply now through NLPG or wait for DYCP’s reopening, depending on the timing and nature of your project.
Book a Virtual 1:1 With Me!
I’m offering relaxed, informal one-to-one sessions via video call, shaped around where you are and what you need.
To keep this support accessible, especially while many artists are navigating financial pressures sessions are available for 10 artists each month at a reduced rate of ÂŁ30 per hour, which are significantly lower than what I generally charge, and in order for support to be accessible for those who would not otherwise afford it.
These sessions can help you:
Chat through opportunities and choose the right ones for your practice
Get feedback on applications, proposals, statements, or portfolios
Build confidence, clarity, and momentum in your practice
Set realistic goals aligned with your capacity and circumstances
You can view availability and book a session for this month here. If you find the sessions helpful, I also offer a 10% discount on further sessions booked within two months, supporting longer-term development while keeping guidance affordable.
Book via the link above, or drop me an email at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Having practical tasks that I can act on after the session that feel achievable and a better understanding of opportunities I could be looking towards but also the time to reflect and have space for my own practice away from external pressures to produce and make. The openness of conversation I find insightful, there's no gatekeeping , sharing of own experience and knowledge gives me confidence in my own path.
Platform Spotlight: Making Money Meaningful
Making Money Meaningful is a new platform that breaks down the financial side of creative work in a way that feels grounded, useful, and empowering, helping you feel in control of your finances and focused on what matters most.
Subscribe to their newsletter via the link below
December ARTiculate Prize Winner
Thank you to everyone who entered last month’s giveaway to celebrate one year of ARTiculate 🎂
Congratulations to Gurmeet Kaur for winning the giveaway which included a copy of How To Win An Artful Life by Katy Hessel. You can find out more about Gurmeet and her work below:
I’ll be doing another exclusive subscriber giveaway this month, so keep your eyes peeled! The giveaway winner will also receive a shout out (with permission) in a newsletter.
If you’ve made it to this part—thank you for reading! I hope there’s something in here that resonates or encourages you to keep going.
And if you know someone who might benefit from these newsletters or sessions, feel free to forward this on and encourage them to subscribe.
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