Windrush Amplified Art Grant

Find out more about the Windrush Amplified Art Grant which offers paid opportunities for artists from the Windrush generation and their descendants.

Here in Hackney we know how important art is to express heritage, install pride and communicate legacy. We’ve seen the power public art can bring to communities as demonstrated in our Windrush Artwork Commission which saw the work of Thomas J Price and Veronica Ryan go on to become the UK’s first public, permanent artworks to honour the Windrush Generation.

Building on this work, Hackney Council launched the Windrush Amplified Art Grant in 2024 with the aim to produce a trove of work that continues to platform, celebrate and explore the Windrush story through the arts.  

The grant has now funded two artists; Wayne Snooze in 2024 and Jazz Grant in 2025. Stay tuned for information on plans for next year. If you would like to partner on the Windrush Amplified Art Grant or would like to nominate an artist, please read the information below before emailing culture@hackney.gov.uk

Windrush Amplified Art Grant 2024 artwork - Wayne Snooze’s ‘Stories from St. Thomas’

What is the Windrush Amplified Art Grant? 

The Windrush Amplified Art Grant offers paid opportunities for artists from the Windrush generation and their descendants. Every year Hackney Council seeks exceptional creatives who wish to elevate their work to a public art level or further amplify their already established practice.

What are the aims? 

The grant aims to further amplify the creative work of exceptional artists from Caribbean or African Commonwealth countries while seeking to address the imbalance of exposure and paid opportunities for Black artists. The grant also aims to expand the narrative of the Windrush story - moving away from singular narratives that limit it to one group of people from one island, class, age group, ship or story of injustice. Through this growing archive of artworks, we can contribute to an authentic and dynamic account of the Windrush story for future generations.

How much is the grant? 

Currently the grant is for £3k - inclusive of all costs and delivery - and is dependent on the Council’s annual budget. This may increase depending on any partnerships we may secure or decrease in light of any necessary cost-savings. 

Who can apply? 

Black artists from Caribbean or African Commonwealth countries or their descendants. We look for artists who live or work in Hackney or have a strong connection to the borough. Further criteria will be released once the new grant framework has been published.

Windrush Amplified Art Grant 2025 artwork - Jazz Grant’s ‘To Travel This Ship’ inspired by her V&A East micro-residency