Being Human Festival 2025 – Call for Applications

The call for applications for Being Human Festival 2025 is now open! 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.   

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 

2025 Training Programme 

We’re also excited to share the details of our full training programme for 2025, with sessions running from February to October. This year’s offer includes new events on engagement and inclusion and creative engagement, alongside sessions on audiences, partnerships, promoting events and delivering events. The sessions are led by expert facilitators, alongside members of the Being Human Festival team. Our training is primarily aimed at those taking part, or thinking of taking part, in Being Human Festival, but will be of interest to those working in public engagement more broadly. All sessions are free and take place online, but booking is required. Find out more and book for individual sessions: https://www.beinghumanfestival.org/resources/training  

  

Toolkits 

We have also recently updated our Public Engagement Toolkits! These downloadable PDF resources cover subjects including working with partners, delivering inclusive activities and finding the right format. Browse the toolkits: https://www.beinghumanfestival.org/resources/toolkits