Applications to this fund are now closed. You can find information about the awards made in these news stories:
Organisations that contribute to the rich and diverse cultural life of Scotland have been significantly impacted by COVID-19. Many operate successful, commercial models without the need for public funding. Others operate within a mixed economy model, often supporting their activities through a combination of public sector funding and trading activities – generating income from tickets sales, the provision of services and/or ancillary offers such as catering. A large number remain financially vulnerable, unable to maintain the levels of income generation required to ensure their future viability.
Some organisations have benefitted from targeted interventions, intended to address those sectors where industry bodies have identified specific hardship and others have benefitted from various schemes and initiatives from the Scottish and UK Governments, but others have been unable to access support. This fund has been established by the Scottish Government to help address their needs.
The total budget for this fund is £15m. The funding comes from the Scottish Government.
Applicants can apply for between £10k and £150k and up to £250k on an exceptional basis (see page 7 of the guidance document for more information).
We are looking for applications from organisations that are most critical to the cultural life of Scotland and whose existence is threatened by COVID-19 restrictions. It includes both organisations that provide opportunities for audiences (including, but not limited to: galleries, commercial theatres, performing arts spaces, festivals, comedy clubs and nightclubs) as well as those that enable and deliver cultural activity (including, but not limited to: production facilities, music and dance companies).
Organisations need to have been working in Scotland’s culture sector before April 2019, and who are at significant threat of insolvency as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.
This fund has specific exclusions, please see pages 5-6 of the guidance document for the details on who can/cannot apply.
If your application is eligible then we will ask you to:
Thursday 10 September 2020 | Publication of fund guidance and application questions and required additional information |
Thursday 17 September 2020 at 12 noon | Online application portal goes live |
Thursday 24 September 2020 at 12 noon | Deadline for Applications |
September and October 2020 | Assessments will take place |
Early November 2020 | Applicants will be informed of decisions |
If you need more information please contact our Enquiries Service using one of the methods outlined on our Contact Us page.
