In response to feedback on the previous Open Project Fund guidance, we have been working to reduce the guidance and ask more specific questions in the form. This means that the form is slightly longer, but we hope it helps you to give us the information we need to assess your application fairly. The Open Fund can support a wide range of activity, from small artist-led research projects to complex programmes of activity involving multiple partners. So, while there are maximum word counts against each question, these are limits and not targets; you should not feel that you need to (...)Read more
There have been no major changes – in the main we have aimed to add clarity to our guidance and forms. The past few months have seen a huge rise in the amount of queries we are receiving from artists and organisations in the sector, and we have tried to reflect some of their questions, as well as some of the wider feedback on the new Open Fund. We have also looked at the range of applications we’ve received to the new fund and talked to assessors to get their feedback on ways in which we can make the guidance (...)Read more
Yes, you are permitted to have more than one application in the assessment process at the same time if they are being submitted for different projects led by different artists. You must clearly demonstrate that the main beneficiary of each project is different and distinct. Read more
We do not have an upper limit for how far in advance you can apply for a project, and we appreciate that different projects will require different periods of planning. We do, however, have to take into account the timing of projects when making our decisions. For example, if the decision-making panel is considering an application for a project that has been submitted very far in advance, without clear rationale for this, then they might prioritise another project that was taking place sooner. In general, we would normally expect applications to be submitted in time to allow one to six (...)Read more
Supporting documents are intended to provide additional context for your application, but the information on the application form will be the main information your assessing officer will use to understand how your project meets the criteria for the Open Fund. Please only include the supporting documents listed in the checklist at the end of the application form. We will not be able to consider additional documents. Read more
You should enter in a rate which is at least equal to the living wage. You may want to draw on other industry rates for comparison (where possible) and to speak to peers and colleagues about how they determine their fees. We would want artists to earn professional rates and at least the living wage. Read more
Yes, you can apply to different Lottery distributors for the same project, but you must ensure that you meet the specific criteria of the fund you are applying to and ensure that you address the criteria in your application. Read more
The question in the application form (question 3.2) asks you to describe your overall approach to risk – so thinking about who is responsible for assessing risk for your activity, how you have planned your activity to consider risk, and how you might work with partners or collaborators to address risk. The risk form is more specific, asking you to consider the specific risks that your activity includes, and your specific mitigation approach for each risk. Read more
We appreciate that COVID-19 guidance from the UK and Scottish Governments is changing regularly. Our website contains the most up-to-date guidance we have and we will update this on an ongoing basis. If your creative activity relies on a future change to restrictions, then we advise you to make cautious plans on the basis of this published guidance and have a robust risk plan in place that allows you to make alternative arrangements or to shift your timescales if your proposed approach is not possible. Read more
We regard consideration of environmental impact and EDI as core principles for all publicly funded projects, and so we want to understand how you are thinking about these aspects in all areas of your proposed activity. Read more
