Applications for the academic year 2023/24 are now closed.
Applications are invited for 2023/24 only (ie no multi-year applications please). For the purposes of this scheme 2023/24 runs from 1 Sept 2023 – 30 June 2024.
For the academic year 2023/24, awards will be made for one year only. In subsequent years, the Royal Institute plans to invite applications for multi-year awards. Conditions for these awards will be published in the course of 2023/24.
Applications should explain the theme, structure, size and location of the proposed programme or event, and how applicants believe they will be able to attract a public audience. We are open to innovative suggestions.
Applicants should consider these questions in their proposals:
- What will be the mix of event formats? Some talks are acceptable but there should be a mix, with, for example, debates, ‘in conversation’ sessions, and panel discussions.
- Where will the events be held? Ideally the venue would be a community partner with a public profile, such as an arts space, public library, theatre, cinema, museum, comedy club or music venue. Hosting an event on campus is not ruled out, but don’t forget campuses can be intimidating to non-academics so you will have to make a case as to why you believe you can attract people to it.
- How many people are you hoping to attract?
- Will you charge? We encourage charging tickets, as completely free events tend to result in a lot of no-shows. But fees should be low and there must be an option for self-certifying free places for people unable to pay.
- Will you fully programme the event, issue a call for proposals, or a mixture of the two?
- Who, if anyone, has agreed in principle to take part?
Applicants must take note of our terms and conditions of sponsorship.