New £30,000 grants launched to support creative careers in Swansea
The Regional Creatives Fund, which opened for applications this week, aims to support organisations that help people from underserved communities pursue careers in sectors such as film, TV, music, gaming, publishing, advertising, and fashion. The fund is open to individual charities and consortiums already running impactful skills programmes, with consortium bids eligible for up to £100,000.
Applications close on 31 August 2025, and successful applicants will also receive pro bono support from Amazon’s network of creative professionals, including mentoring, work experience, and digital training from teams at Amazon Music, Prime Video, and Amazon Games.
“Amazon has been a passionate supporter of creative industries in the UK for many years,” said Paul Firth, Director of Global Music Industry at Amazon Music. “We understand talent is everywhere, but access isn’t—and we’re working to change that.”
Supporting Swansea’s creative potential
The fund is open to registered UK charities currently delivering programmes that upskill individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. In Swansea, this could include initiatives focused on music production, game development, portfolio building, or creative writing—especially those working with young people, disabled individuals, ethnic minorities, or those from lower-income households.
The launch aligns with the UK Government’s Creative Places Growth Fund, which aims to support regional creative hubs and improve access to fast-growing sectors outside London.
“Creativity is our superpower, and the future of our country depends on talent being nurtured everywhere,” said Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire and RCF Board Member. “This game-changing initiative will help creatives break down barriers and unleash their potential, no matter their background or circumstances.”
Tackling barriers to entry
Research from The Sutton Trust shows that young adults from working-class backgrounds are four times less likely to work in the creative industries than their middle-class peers. Data from Arts Council England reveals that only 9% of the creative workforce identifies as disabled, compared to 22% of the general working-age population.
The fund’s judging panel includes senior leaders from Amazon, The National Theatre, the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, Help Musicians, and Music Minds Matter. Applications will be assessed across five key areas: creative purpose, impact, delivery, inclusion, and scalability.
“Amazon’s Regional Creatives Fund is exactly the kind of initiative we need,” said Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee. “By supporting local charities with both funding and industry expertise, this programme will help unlock creative talent across our communities.”
How to apply
Eligible charities in Swansea and across the UK can apply via Amazon’s official website. Applicants must demonstrate how the funding will expand or sustain an existing programme, and show measurable impact to date.
To find out more or begin an application, visit Amazon’s Regional Creatives Fund page.
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