NCACE Collaboration Lab 2027 – Applications Now Open

Do you have an existing collaboration between higher education and the arts or cultural sector that you'd like to develop and make more sustainable?

The NCACE Collaboration Lab is a free programme supporting partnerships between higher education and arts and cultural organisations to develop their ideas, explore new opportunities and find sustainable ways to continue and grow their work and its impact.

Whether you're developing an emerging idea or looking to take existing work in a new direction, the Collaboration Lab offers practical tools, specialist advice, individual support and the opportunity to learn alongside other partnerships facing similar questions and challenges.

Working with Kindling Ventures, the programme combines practical workshops and activities with time to test ideas, develop your offer and explore how to sustain your collaboration beyond individual projects or funding, while keeping your shared values and purpose at the heart of your work.

Who is it for?

The Collaboration Lab is for existing UK-based partnerships involving at least one higher education partner and one arts or cultural sector partner. Both partners must be based in the UK.

You should already have some experience of working together and have one or more ideas you'd like to develop through the programme. You don't need a fully formed business plan or a polished product. The Lab is an opportunity to explore possibilities, test assumptions and work out what might come next.

It's particularly relevant to partnerships that are curious about new ways to sustain their work, reach audiences and generate income beyond individual project funding, while continuing to deliver on their social, cultural or academic purpose.

What will you gain?

The Lab provides dedicated time and support to think differently about your collaboration, develop your ideas and consider practical ways forward.

Through workshops, individual support and shared learning, you'll have opportunities to:

• Explore your collaboration's value, identify potential audiences and understand their needs.
• Test ideas and assumptions through conversations with potential partners, users and stakeholders.
• Consider different income sources and models for sustaining your work and its impact.
• Build confidence in communicating your offer, pitching ideas and negotiating partnerships.
• Connect with other partnerships, share experiences and benefit from feedback and new perspectives.

By the end of the programme, you'll have a clearer sense of what your collaboration offers, who it matters to and what opportunities you could pursue. You'll also have practical tools, new connections and a better understanding of the steps you could take to develop and sustain your work.

What does the programme involve?

Running from January to July 2027, the Collaboration Lab includes:

• In-person events: Three gatherings in London, including a launch event, a mid-programme event and a final showcase.
• Online workshops: Practical sessions exploring partnerships, communicating value, sustainability, pitching and negotiation.
• Individual support: Two one-to-one sessions to discuss your progress, challenges and next steps.
• Peer learning: Opportunities to connect with other partnerships, share experiences and give and receive feedback.
• Supporting resources: Access to programme resources and additional support.

See the full programme overview, including dates and time commitments, in the application form.