AHRC
Creative Industries Clusters Round 2
Application link to be sent 27 May 2026; projects must start by 1 February 2027
Last verified:
AHRC Creative Industries Clusters Round 2 is an invite-only call to establish up to 4 new research clusters across the UK, with up to £6.75 million per cluster over five years. Lead host institutions must partner with at least one other HEI or independent research organisation, with industry partners integrated throughout the project; at minimum 30% of the AHRC grant must flow directly to creative industry partners. This is a one-off round designed to tackle place-based and sector-specific challenges in the creative industries with co-funding of at least 50% from non-AHRC sources.
Details
| Funder | AHRC |
| Budget | Up to £6.75M per cluster (£27M total fund) |
| Duration | 5 years |
| Consortium | Required — lead HEI plus at least one other HEI or independent research organisation, with integrated industry partners |
| Frequency | One-off |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Invite-only call to establish up to 4 new Creative Industries Clusters in the UK. Led by UK HEIs in partnership with at least one other HEI or independent research org, with industry partners integrated throughout. Minimum 30% of AHRC grant devolved to creative industry partners; clusters must leverage at least 50% additional funding. PhD studentships not permitted. Proposals must address place-based or sector challenges in the creative industries.
Who Should Apply
- •UK higher education institutions in a lead role, partnering with at least one other HEI or independent research organisation
- •Lead institutions with established creative industries research programmes and existing industry networks
- •Consortia with creative industry partners committed to at least 30% of the AHRC funding and secured co-funding of 50% or more
- •Teams addressing a clearly defined place-based or sector-specific challenge in the creative industries
- •Applicants invited by AHRC; unsolicited proposals are not accepted
Key Dates
- •Application link sent 27 May 2026; projects must commence by 1 February 2027
- •Five-year project duration
- •One-off call, no further rounds planned
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Co-funding is gating: the cluster must secure at least 50% match beyond the AHRC grant. Demonstrate committed, ringfenced co-funders from industry, councils, or devolved bodies before submission.
- ✓Industry integration is not tokenistic, 30% of AHRC money flows directly to creative industry partners. Show how they shape research direction, not just supply access or evaluation.
- ✓Place-based or sector angle is mandatory. Frame your cluster around a specific geographic region, creative subsector, or ecosystem challenge with evidence of local need and stakeholder buy-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding is available for AHRC Creative Industries Clusters Round 2?
Up to £6.75 million per cluster, with a total fund of £27 million across up to 4 clusters over five years.
Who can apply for the Creative Industries Clusters Round 2?
Only UK HEIs invited by AHRC; unsolicited applications are not accepted. Lead institutions must partner with at least one other HEI or independent research organisation and integrate creative industry partners throughout.
What is the consortium requirement for Creative Industries Clusters?
A lead UK HEI plus at least one additional HEI or independent research organisation, with creative industry partners; a minimum 30% of the AHRC award must be devolved directly to industry partners.
Do Creative Industries Clusters fund PhD studentships?
No, PhD studentships are not permitted under this scheme.
How much co-funding must a Creative Industries Cluster secure?
Clusters must leverage at least 50% additional funding beyond the AHRC grant from co-funders such as industry, local authorities, or devolved administrations.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
More from AHRC
AHRC Large Grants – Outline Stage
Deadline: 16 Sept 2026£1.6M–£2.4M AHRC contribution (80% of £2M–£3M FEC)Gambling Harms Research Grants
Deadline: 8 Dec 2026
Browse Related
Could Creative Industries Clusters Round 2 be right for you?
See your personalised match score for this grant and others in 30 seconds. No signup needed to preview.
See my matches free →