Being Human is the UK’s national festival of the humanities. Each year we invite researchers and staff from universities and research organisations to take part in our national festival by organising a public engagement event or activity, rooted in humanities research. This year’s festival will take place 6-15 November with the theme ‘Between the Lines’. Being Human is a place-based festival that emphasises interaction, collaboration and engaging with communities outside higher education. The festival supports innovative, participatory and creative activities that foster genuine, two-way connections with communities. You can get an idea of what the festival looks like, and the types of activities we support, in our 2024 highlights film, and by reading our 2024 highlights blog on our website: https://www.beinghumanfestival.org/
There are three different ways to participate in the festival:
Funded pathways
1. Institutional Grants: £4,000–£8,000 to organise a Festival Hub (Deadline: 10 April)
2. Festival Event Grants: up to £4,000 to organise a single event or multiple events (Deadline: 10 April)
Please note: only applicants from UK Higher Education Institutions and AHRC-recognised IROs are eligible to receive our grants.
Unfunded pathway
3. Festival Event: organise a festival event that does not require funding from Being Human (Deadline: 4 July)
Further details about how to apply, and answers to some frequently asked questions, are available on our website: https://www.beinghumanfestival.org/get-involved
Apply to Being Human Festival 2025 Webinar
You can find out more about applying to the festival at our online information session ‘Applying to Being Human Festival 2025’ taking place on Thursday 27 February, 14:00-15:00. Find out more and sign up: https://www.beinghumanfestival.org/resources/training/apply-2025-webinar