Arts Council of Wales Opens Major Productions Funding for Large-Scale Live Performances

On 9 September 2026, the Arts Council of Wales opened applications for its Major Productions funding programme. This scheme is intended to support large-scale live performance projects in theatre, dance, and musical theatre. Proposals can include both new productions and the restaging or scaling up of existing works. The fund is open to site-specific projects, but applicants are encouraged to submit productions with the potential for high reach and significant audience engagement across Wales and beyond, including touring opportunities.

Applicants are required to demonstrate that they have established appropriate partnerships capable of taking the project to scale. These partnerships should involve other artists, organisations, and stakeholders, and must reflect the highest levels of artistic excellence and expertise. The presence of such relationships is expected to provide assurance that the project can be realised to its full potential.

The Major Productions fund has a total budget of £600,000. The fund is described as highly competitive, and the Arts Council notes that it will not be able to support a large number of applications. The maximum percentage of total eligible project costs that can be funded is 75%, although the Council expects its contribution to be much lower in most cases.

Applications must be complete at the time of submission. The Arts Council will not accept further supporting information after an application has been submitted, unless it is specifically requested as part of the application process. This requirement is intended to ensure a fair and transparent assessment for all applicants.

Applicants must allow a minimum of twelve working weeks between the application deadline and the start date of their project, or the commencement of the element of the project that would be supported by the fund. This timeline is designed to allow for the assessment process and any necessary preparations before the funded activity begins.

Shortlisted applicants may be invited to present their project or provide further clarifications on certain elements. The Arts Council will share further details about this process with relevant applicants as early as possible. This step is part of the assessment process for determining which projects will receive funding.

To assist applicants, the Arts Council has published supporting documents, including an example online application form and a project budget template, both dated 9 September 2026. Information about the scheme is available in accessible formats such as large print, braille, audio, Easy Read, and British Sign Language. The Council will also try to provide information in languages other than Welsh or English on request.