The John Lyon Access to the Arts Fund

The John Lyon Access to the Arts Fund is open to all state primary schools in the Charity’s nine boroughs: Barnet, Brent, Camden, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster and the City of London.

Grants awarded under this programme are available to assist primary schools in accessing and taking part in Arts activities at the many high class institutions in London. Activities could include visits to the theatre, a musical experience or to a museum or art gallery. To be eligible the school must provide a clear rationale for the activity, explain how it will add value to the school experience and demonstrate an existing commitment to the Arts.

There is no restriction on which institution you can visit, but the activity must enhance the current activities of the class or year group and be the kind of experience that the children do not normally have access to.

Suggestions for suitable requests include:

• travel costs (including coach costs) to venues within London
• match funding for ticket prices (i.e. if the school is paying for one class to participate in an activity the Charity could be asked to support the costs of enabling a second class to also take part
• a contribution towards the costs of participating in a venue-based education programme.

Successful applications must include the following:

• evidence that this activity is in addition to, and not a replacement of, existing annual Arts activities
• a clear rationale for taking part in the activity
• details of how it will add value to the children's school experience