# Creative Industries Clusters Round 2 (Invite Only)

**Funder:** AHRC (UKRI)
**Deadline:** 22 July 2026 (4:00pm UK time)
**Consortium:** Required — universities, businesses, local/regional policymakers and private funders
**Application:** Single stage full application → expert panel assessment → interview (October 2026); outcomes by end of November 2026
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/creative-industries-clusters-round-2-invite-only/
**Last verified:** 4 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Invite-only call for UK university-led clusters bringing together academia, industry, and regional partners to drive R&D and growth in the creative industries. Proposals must address regional/national impact, include EDI framework, sustainability plan, and governance plan. Project partners (industry, academia, third sector, government, UK or overseas) are encouraged. No institutional matched funding requirement beyond standard 20% FEC.

## Summary

Creative Industries Clusters Round 2 is an invite-only call from UKRI/AHRC for UK university-led consortia to develop research and growth in the creative industries sector. Successful proposals combine academic research with industry and regional partners, requiring governance, EDI and sustainability frameworks. This round emphasises regional and national economic impact, with applications progressing through expert panel review and interview before final outcomes in November 2026.

## Who should apply

- University teams in the UK with an established track record in creative industries research
- Consortia ready to partner across academia, industry, local/regional government and third sector
- Leaders of regional or national creative sector strategies with capacity to mobilise stakeholders
- Teams prepared to articulate both research excellence and economic/social impact pathways

## Key dates

- Deadline 22 July 2026 at 4:00pm UK time (invite-only call)
- Expert panel assessment followed by interview stage in October 2026
- Final outcomes by end of November 2026

## Tips for applicants

- This is invite-only; confirm your eligibility with AHRC before drafting, prior cluster experience or portfolio strength in creative R&D typically drives invitations.
- Governance and sustainability plans carry weight equal to research ambition, detail your decision-making structure and long-term funding strategy explicitly.
- Regional and national policy alignment strengthens applications; map your cluster's contribution to local growth plans and UK creative strategy.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is the Creative Industries Clusters Round 2 open to all UK universities?

No, this is an invite-only call; you must have received an invitation from AHRC to apply. Confirm your eligibility directly with the funder before preparing a proposal.

### What types of partners must be included in a Creative Industries Clusters consortium?

Consortia must bring together universities, industry, and local or regional policymakers. Private funders and third-sector organisations are encouraged to strengthen impact.

### What is the deadline for Creative Industries Clusters Round 2?

The deadline is 22 July 2026 at 4:00pm UK time; shortlisted proposals will be interviewed in October 2026 with outcomes announced by end of November 2026.

### Do we need to secure matched funding from our institution for Creative Industries Clusters?

There is no matched funding requirement beyond the standard 20% Funder's Eligible Cost (FEC) contribution that applies across AHRC schemes.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/ukri-ahrc-creative-industries-clusters-round-2-invite-only-2026-07) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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