Unlock Creative Funding: Workshop by Katy Morrison

‘UNLOCKING CREATIVE FUNDING’

Do you need funding for your project or practice, but are not sure where to start? Are you struggling to put your artistic ideas into a format that might appeal to funders?

This 2-part workshop, led by Manchester-based curator and researcher Katy Morrison, aims to demystify and break down funding applications into something more understandable and achievable for creative practitioners. The aim of this workshop is to help you to figure out what your options are and provide you with the insights, practical tools and strategies to successfully secure funding.

During this workshop, Katy will share her extensive experience and proven methods, having raised over £60k in funding for her own practice and organisation in 2024 alone. Katy's funding successes include grants from Arts Council England, the Henry Moore Foundation, the Haworth Trust, Stockport Council, and various private and international sponsors. Her insights and strategies will guide you through key aspects of the funding process, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to pursue and secure the support you need for your creative projects. Whether you're new to the funding landscape or looking to refine your approach, this workshop will provide valuable guidance and inspiration.

What We Will Cover:

• Understanding Different Types of Grants and Funding: Learn the nuances between various funding opportunities available to creative practitioners.

• Articulating Your Work: Master the art of clearly and concisely describing your work and how the funding will help achieve your goals.

• Access and Emotional Support: Consider access costs and support mechanisms for emotionally complex or lived experience projects.

• Partnerships with Organisations: Explore how to form and benefit from partnerships to leverage funding opportunities.

• Public Engagement: Gain insights into what public engagement means and how to integrate it into your projects.

Workshop Highlights:

• Presentation: Katy will share her tried and tested approach to fundraising for creative development, arts and community projects.

• Build Your Own Pitch (BYOP): Using Katy’s insights and advice, you will create a concise 50-word summary of your practice, project, or idea, equipping you with skills to craft a clear introduction to your project.

About Katy Morrison:

Katy Morrison is an independent curator and researcher based in Manchester. She holds a BA in History of Art (2012) and a Masters in Contemporary Curating (2019) from Manchester School of Art, where she is currently pursuing a practice-based PhD.

Katy has curated a range of research-led projects across Manchester, collaborating with major institutions and founding artist-led initiatives such as Lionel Dobie Project, MUTO, Caustic Coastal, and COLLAR. Her international network includes collaborations with Poppositions (Brussels), 68Art Institute (Copenhagen), Corte Supernova (Venice), Sluice Art Fair (New York), Juxtapose Art Fair (Aarhus), and more recently a partnership with Babel (Trondheim).

Katy has contributed to critical projects including ISLAND at the British Pavilion in Venice, The School of the Damned in London, and DIY Art School in Manchester. She also participated in research workshops at Siobhan Davies Dance Studios and symposia at Exhibitions Research Lab (Liverpool) and Embassy (Edinburgh). Currently, Katy co-directs PINK, a dynamic exhibition and residency space in Manchester that fosters interdisciplinary research and collaborative exchange. Her independent research focuses on discursive frameworks, performative platforms for inquiry, and methodologies for facilitating knowledge generation across diverse spaces.

About 1838 Collective

Named after the founding year of Manchester School of Art, we are an artist-led initiative that supports students and graduates as they transition from art school to the professional art world. Through free and affordable opportunities - including exhibitions, co-working sessions, workshops, and social events - we provide a supportive framework that enables emerging artists to develop confidence, expand their networks, and continue their creative practice beyond university.

This fully-funded event is part of our programme 'Making and Mending' at Altogether Otherwise. This event is free, thanks to our funder, RISE at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Making and Mending is a fine art exhibition showcasing the work of students and recent graduates from Manchester School of Art. Our exhibition and series of events aim to inspire and empower emerging artists, building a supportive community of artists and contributing to a thriving contemporary art scene in Manchester.

Follow us on Instagram for more updates @1838_collective or send us an email if you have any questions: [email protected]

Image Credits:

1. Exhibition Shot of Pippa Eason 'Four-fold Reverie', Jules Lister (2025)

2. Exhibition Shot of Pippa Eason 'Four-fold Reverie', Jules Lister (2025)

3. Katy Morrison at Manchester Contemporary, wearing Caz Egelie's 3D printed glasses, Cinthia Baseler (2021)

4. 1838 Collective photographed by Oriana Loucaidou (2025)

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