Things you should know
The programme proposals process is not an application to a funding programme. By completing this process, you are not applying for seed or match funding from Children’s Capital of Culture.
Children’s Capital of Culture do have a small amount of seed funding that partners can apply to by completing a separate (and simple!) application process. The first round of seed funding will be announced in early 2025.
So, what’s the programme proposals process for? Children’s Capital of Culture is a co-produced, co-designed and co-delivered programme, which is delivered by a range of partners in collaboration with Rotherham’s children and young people. The programme proposals process helps to make sure that the events, festivals and activities both our team and our partners are proposing fit the mandate set by children and young people. The programme proposals process means that both children and young people, and our local partners, have a key role in finalising our 2025 programme, making Children’s Capital of Culture a truly democratic festival.
Proposals that are approved through this process will be included in the official festival programme, be given publicity, marketing and other forms of support from the Children’s Capital of Culture team, and be given permission to use the Children’s Capital of Culture festival year brand.
Anyone can submit an idea – there’s no age limit, prized postcode or distinguishing features needed. But there are a few small rules:
- Your idea must be able to demonstrate either that it has already been developed in partnership with children and young people from Rotherham, or that it will ensure co-production with children and young people in Rotherham is a key part of its development.
- You must be either a Rotherham-based artist, organisation or community group, or be able to demonstrate that your project is working with a Rotherham-based artist, organisation or community group (this could be schools, colleges, youth groups, grassroots organisations… The list goes on!).
- Your activity must take place in 2025, as that is when Rotherham will become the world’s first Children’s Capital of Culture!
- If you are building on an existing idea or event, you must be able to clearly demonstrate what you will be doing differently in 2025
- Children and young people have told us that there are some big issues they want to explore through Children’s Capital of Culture. We think this is important – and we also think it’s important that we give them the most positive experience we can, including through making sure we’re engaging with any sensitive topics thoughtfully and safely. As such, please let us know when you complete the EOI if you feel your proposal covers (or could cover) any sensitive topics.
- If your proposal is included in the programme we will require you to commit to taking part in evaluation and marketing, including press, film and photography activities, and we also ask that all relevant Children’s Capital of Culture branding must be used on marketing materials.
- Your activity must fit with one or more of our programme themes.