The Studio Innovation Fund 2026 – call for proposals
The Studio at Bath Spa University – our vibrant City-centre hub – is a catalyst for creativity, innovation, and community building. As we look ahead, we’re building on a legacy of success from previous Studio Innovation Fund recipients, whose projects have sparked meaningful collaborations and impactful change. Now, we’re inviting the next wave of creative partnerships to join us in shaping a more resilient, inclusive, and tech-enabled future.
We’re continuing to strengthen partnerships between our Studio Residents and the wider creative community. This year’s fund will support projects that harness creative technology to address pressing social issues – through collaboration, experimentation, and shared learning.
See more about The Studio Innovation Fund here.
What type of proposals are we looking for?
This fund is a chance to explore, experiment, make mistakes and learn from them. Creative technology needs to be at the heart of your project and we are looking for ideas that will use technology to address some kind of societal challenge in interesting and inclusive ways. We are interested in the social impact and value of your proposal and how this will be felt. We expect inclusion and diversity to be built into your practice. Our aim is to foster new partnerships between Studio Residents and the wider community in the region. We require all partners, and anyone hired to work on your project, to be properly paid for their time. While we do not expect a finished project at the end of the funding, you should have an idea of how you will take your idea forward. Positive outcomes might include formalising a new partnership, moving from R&D into product development, connecting with a new community, or broadening social impact.
📅 Key Details
- Funded Period: 01 January – 31 July 2026
- Funding Available:
- 3 x £10,000 partnership grants
- Up to £1,000 per partnership for creative tech training or mentoring.
- Support Includes:
- Access to The Studio’s equipment library
- Creative Tech Advisory Sessions
- Project Visioning Workshop
- Bespoke Development Support
- Producer Check-ins
Backed by Bath Spa University’s Centre for Cultural and Creative Industries and a HEQR Policy Support Fund grant from Research England.
🤝 Who Can Apply?
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- Current Studio Residents partnering with freelancers, micro-businesses, commercial businesses, social enterprises, or third sector organisations
- All partners should actively engage with The Studio throughout the funded period
📝 What to Include in Your Application
- How the partnership will benefit all parties
- A clear description of your idea, anticipated outcomes and intended social impact
- How creative tech supports your goals
- Budget breakdown (pay rates, kit, travel, etc.) – template available
- Timeline of activities
📌 Eligibility Criteria
- Must involve a current Studio Resident(s) and an external partner(s)
- Partners can include freelancers, commercial businesses, social enterprises, and third sector organisations
- Equity in contribution is expected, measured by value and impact—not identical tasks or time commitment
- Partnerships must involve creative technology and aim for positive social impact
- Activities should take place in The Studio or the local region
- At least one partner must be based in Bath & North East Somerset (BANES)
- A commitment to engage with workshops and evaluation processes
📥 How to Apply
- Deadline: 23:59, Sunday 16 November 2025
- Submission: Complete the online application form here.
- Contact: Caroline Anstey (Studio Manager) or Rachel Pownall (Development Manager) at thestudio@bathspa.ac.uk
🎤 Selection Process
- Shortlisting: The Studio Team will assess applications based on strength of criteria alignment
- Interviews: Up to five proposals will be invited to interview at The Studio on Wednesday 10 December 2025
- Awards: Three partnerships will be selected to receive £10K plus up to £1K for mentoring or training
Let’s build on the momentum of past successes and continue to grow a thriving, collaborative creative tech community in Bath. We can’t wait to see what you’ll bring to the table!
🕑 Timeline
- Tuesday 30 September 2025: Fund goes live
- Wednesday 22 October 2025: 5.00-8.00pm: Launch and Connect Event 1 at The Studio – meet Residents and find collaborators for partnership. Book your tickets here.
- Tuesday 28 October 2025, 12.30-2.30pm: Connect Event 2 at The Studio – Meet Residents and find collaborators for partnership. Book your tickets here.
- Tuesday 14 & Wednesday 15 October 2025: Tech Advice Sessions – 1:1 slots available to book
- Tuesday 4 & Wednesday 5 November 2025: Tech Advice Sessions – 1:1 slots available to book
- Sunday 16 November 2025 at 23:59: Deadline for proposals
- Wednesday 10 December 2025: Interviews with shortlisted teams
- Monday 15 December 2025: Applicants informed of decisions
- January 2026: Funded collaboration starts
- January 2026: Project Visioning Workshop
- April 2026: Mid Project Checks
- 31 July 2026: Funded collaboration completed
- September 2026: Sharing Event
❓ Questions
Got questions or need support? Reach out to the team at thestudio@bathspa.ac.uk.
📝 Online Application Form
Submit your proposal via the online application form.
Download the application form to help write your application before submitting.
Deadline for proposals: Sunday 16 November 2025 at 23:59
If you have any issue with the application form please reach out to Studio Manager, Caroline Anstey – c.anstey@bathspa.ac.uk
Studio Innovation Fund Conclusion Dinner, 2025