The Julia Rausing Sky Arts Bursaries

Art has the power to move us, challenge us and change the way we see the world. But behind every breakthrough is an artist who needs the time, confidence and opportunity to create.

The Julia Rausing Sky Arts Bursaries, a Sky Foundation programme, exist to make those opportunities possible. The initiative will support 20 outstanding artists with the funding, mentoring and platform they need to bring a creative passion project to life and help take them to the next stage in their careers.

Applications are now closed. Bursary winners will be announced in January 2027.

The year of dance

In 2027, the Julia Rausing Sky Arts Bursaries will focus on dance. So right now, we’re looking for artists whose practice is rooted in creating dance work – whether you’re a choreographer, dance maker or an artist who places movement at the heart of your creative practice. We welcome applications from those working across all styles, forms and approaches.

We’re looking for ambitious dance makers with originality and vision. Specifically, we’re after innovative voices with new things to say. Explorers, transformers, rule-breakers.

What you'll receive

A personal grant of £30k

This is to support your day-to-day living costs and help reduce financial pressure, giving you the time and space to focus on your creative project and participate in the bursary programme across the year.

A project grant of up to £40k to bring your project to life

We'll support you to develop and manage a project budget that can cover artist and collaborator fees as well as production and delivery costs.

Mentoring & professional development

We'll create a tailored package of mentoring and support designed around what you need. You'll have access to industry experts, artists and practitioners to support you and your project.

Masterclasses and industry connections

You'll have access to a series of sessions with leading artists and industry professionals to help build your skills and confidence. They'll also offer advice to support the development of your creative practice.

National profile and visibility

At the end of the year, you'll have the opportunity to showcase your work alongside your fellow bursary artists to an audience of industry leaders. We'll also provide you with a digital capture of your project and feature you on Sky Arts.

Key dates

Wednesday 9th September 2026

Applications close

Early October 2026

Longlist decision notifications

By the end of October 2026

Shortlist decision notifications

Early November 2026

Preparation for final panel

Mid December 2026

Final decision notifications

25th January 2027