Published: 20 Apr 2020
Today, Monday 20 April 2020 Creative Scotland has announced an additional £2million to further support and sustain the country’s creative community during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The extra £1million from the Scottish Government and £1million from the Freelands Foundation will be used to increase the original £2million Creative Scotland Bridging Bursary Fund (Arts and Creative) which is providing financial support for freelance creative professionals most deeply impacted and disadvantaged by the cancellation of work due to the COVID-19 emergency.
The Creative Scotland Bridging Bursary Fund (Arts and Creative), which has re-opened today, Monday 20 April, offers one-off bursary payments of between £500 and £2,500.
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “The Scottish Government believes culture and creativity are essential to our wellbeing, and we are working hard to support those who make this hugely important contribution to our society as they navigate these difficult times.
“The Bridging Bursaries Fund is already set to benefit hundreds of people from the first round of applications and this additional £1million funding from the Scottish Government, along with the support from the Freelands Foundation, will mean Creative Scotland can help many more in the sector who are doing their best to cope with the impact of this health pandemic.”
Iain Munro, Chief Executive, Creative Scotland said: "As these extremely challenging times continue, they bring with them serious personal and professional impacts to artists, creative practitioners and organisations and the work they do with communities across Scotland.
"At Creative Scotland we’re continuing our focus on keeping funding flowing and today’s significant additional contributions from the Scottish Government and the Freelands Foundation will enable us to enhance support for those in immediate need and help to sustain people and their work at this time.”
Today’s announcement follows the previously launched £11million funding package available through Creative Scotland and Screen Scotland providing dedicated resources to those in need of immediate support in the film and tv sector, as well as support for individuals and organisations to develop and create work over the coming months.
All funding guidance, eligibility criteria and application forms are available at Creative Scotland and Screen Scotland.
A list of other helpful resources and sector specific support groups and organisations is also available on the Creative Scotland website.
The Freelands Foundation’s £1m contribution is part of the Foundation’s landmark commitment of £3m towards emergency funds for artists, creative practitioners and freelancers across the UK affected by the Covid-19 crisis. The Freelands Foundation was set up in 2015 for the purpose of encouraging greater public engagement with and enjoyment for the arts in the UK. For further information, visit: www.freelandsfoundation.co.uk
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland on behalf of everyone who lives, works or visits here. We enable people and organisations to work in and experience the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland by helping others to develop great ideas and bring them to life. We distribute funding provided by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery. www.creativescotland.com
Wendy Grannon, Media Relations and PR Manager, Creative Scotland
E: wendy.grannon@creativescotland.com M: +44 7989 854 306
For enquiries about the Freelands Foundation, please contact:
Rachel Cass, Head of Communications, the Freelands Foundation
E: rachel@freelandsfoundation.co.uk M: +44 7593 452 114
