The Locally Unlocking Culture through Inclusive Access (LUCIA) program is a funding opportunity offered by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) to support community-driven research networks.

The program aims to enhance access to culture by fostering partnerships between communities, researchers, and policymakers.

The goal is to promote urban cultural renewal and address equitable access to cultural expression.

Scope of Work

The LUCIA program will fund networks for a duration of 12 months, starting by April 1, 2026.

These networks will explore opportunities to widen cultural access and expression within UK communities.

The program encourages research themes such as definitions of culture, breaking down cultural barriers, ownership of cultural spaces, amplifying marginalized voices, and intergenerational access to culture.

Eligibility

To be eligible for funding, applicants must be based at a UK research organization eligible for AHRC funding.

The leadership team should be interdisciplinary and include at least one member with demonstrable experience in research within cities and urban environments. Project co-leads from cultural, cultural policy, and civic discourse sectors, as well as people with expertise by experience, are encouraged to be part of the team.

Budget and Duration

The full economic cost (FEC) of the network can be up to £100,000, with AHRC funding 80% of the FEC. The program will fund networks for 12 months, starting by April 1, 2026.

Additional Information

The LUCIA program prioritizes networks that demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and those that aim to build or rebuild healthy cultural exchange with communities. The program also encourages applicants to embed careful consideration of environmental sustainability throughout the research process.

Key Dates

• Opening Date: September 16, 2024, 9:00 am UK time

• Closing Date: April 10, 2025, 4:00 pm UK time

Application Process

• Applicants must register their organization on the UKRI Funding Service.

• The project lead is responsible for completing the application process.

• Applications should be co-created with input from all investigators and project partners.

• An optional notification of intent (NoI) stage is available until December 3, 2024.

For More funding Opportunities, Visit Global Funding Opportunities.