Fund closed - reopening for applications at 2pm on Tuesday 8 October
Creative Scotland had to take the difficult decision to close the Open Fund for Individuals to new applications. Following confirmation of release of the necessary budget from the Scottish Government, we are pleased to announce that the fund will reopen at 2pm on Tuesday 8 October. Read more about this, including some revisions that will be made to the fund upon reopening, in our news story.
Temporary change to Open Fund for Individuals decision timeline
Creative Scotland is currently reviewing the process for our Open Fund for Individuals (OFFI) to identify where improvements can be made.
As part of this review, the lead time for award decisions has been temporarily extended by up to a maximum of 4 weeks (in most cases, a decision will be issued in a far shorter timescale), and applicants should consider this in any plans for their schedule of work related to their application.
Our review will include the decision-making process at application stage, terms of contract once a project is awarded funding, and subsequent project monitoring.
This does not affect any applicant whose funding contract has already been issued.
We aim to minimise impact on applicants as much as possible during this temporary review period.
What is Creative Scotland's Open Fund for Individuals?
The Open Fund for Individuals is one of Creative Scotland’s key funding programmes, supporting the wide range of activity initiated by artists, writers, producers and other creative practitioners in Scotland. The overall annual budget for this fund is £5 million.
What the fund supports
The Open Fund will support a period of research, development and/or delivery of creative activity for up to 24 months. We will ask you to tell us the start and end date for this activity and to describe the outcomes, benefits and impacts that you wish to achieve.
This fund is designed to support creative activity such as a specific project, production or a period of research and development. It can support an individual’s time where this is related to specific creative outcomes.
Eligibility
You can apply to the fund if you are a freelance or self-employed artist or creative practitioner living in Scotland.
You must be at least 18 years old, and you must have a UK bank account in your name.
If you are not a self-employed individual or a sole trader, you should apply to the National Lottery Open Fund for Organisations.
Funding amounts
You can apply for between £500 and £100,000.
How to apply
Applications are now closed. Applications will reopen on Tuesday 8 October.
Fund guidance will be available at the point of the fund reopening. Those applicants who plan to request access support can contact us to begin the process from 24 September and should expect to wait up to three weeks for this to be fully processed and agreed. Exact levels of support will be confirmed when the fund opens.
Downloads
Application form walkthrough
If you have any questions or concerns, for example, about an impact on project dates, our Enquiries Team are here to help. Visit the Contact Us page to get in touch with them.
Please ensure you have checked the Guidance for Applicants and the Funding FAQs before getting in touch, as you are likely to find the answer to your question there unless it is highly specific to your activity.
Access support
Creative Scotland is committed to offering clear and accessible application processes and programmes that are open to everyone. We have a number of ways we can support you to make your application.