Funding Opportunity

Totally Thames Festival 2026: Seed Funder Programme

Are you an artist, performer or maker developing a project inspired by the River Thames or its tidal tributaries? Do you want extra support to take part in Totally Thames Festival 2026?

Totally Thames Festival is an annual season of unique, diverse and accessible arts and culture throughout the month of September. 

We collaborate with artists, communities and river interest organisations to explore the river’s past, to celebrate its present, and to protect its future.

Apply to our Seed Funder and receive up to £1000 budget, marketing, and development support. 

We are open to ideas across all artforms including theatre, dance, music, visual art, environmental artwork and installation.

What we offer:

  • Seed Money
    up to £1,000 for project development
  • Marketing Package (worth £2,000)
    inclusion in Totally Thames’ PR campaign and a bespoke video content package
  • Development Support
    mentoring meetings with the festival team
  • Networking Opportunities
    connect with artists and industry professional

Requirements

Artists must:

- Have a fully formed Thames, waterway, or sustainability-themed project.
- Experience on at least one previous artistic project.
- Available to present their work in London, on or near the Thames, between 1–30 September 2026.
- Need a location? This is an opportunity to present work in unique riverside locations. We have previously worked with venues such as Theatreship, Brunel Museum and Crossness Pumping Station.
- We are particularly keen to support projects exploring sustainability and to hear from early career artists.

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