Funding For Artists and Independent Creatives

Maria Percival is a freelance arts management, producing and fundraising consultant with over 25 years’ experience across the visual arts and cultural sector. Much of her career has focused on artist development, helping artists develop their practice, build opportunities and sustain their careers. She has held roles at FACT Liverpool, Liverpool Biennial, Tate Liverpool, Open Eye Gallery, Arts Council England, the University of Salford and Castlefield Gallery. Her work spans artist development, cultural programming, partnership-building, organisational development and leadership. At Castlefield Gallery, she co-developed PIVOT and SUSTAIN, connecting artists with professional and international networks. Maria is Trustee of Paradise Works, Salford, and holds a BA in Fine Art and an MA in Generative Art.

Kacey Stonnell is the Gallery & Volunteer Coordinator at Castlefield Gallery, where she supports Associates, volunteers and placements, alongside contributing to the gallery’s environmental work and wider programme. In 2026, she produced Wild Witness, the gallery’s annual environmental action bringing artists and communities together across Manchester. She is currently undertaking an MA in Arts Management, Policy and Practice at the University of Manchester, having previously studied Art History and English Literature there. Her interests include access and inclusion, artist-led and affordable spaces, and the ways regeneration and changing local economies shape opportunities for artists and creative communities. Originally from East Lancashire, Kacey has previously worked in support work and charity fundraising, and has volunteered and undertaken placements with organisations across the North West, including the John Rylands Research Institute and Library.