News

£600K Creative Communities cultural funding programme launches

Inspiring Scotland has launched a new programme that aims to support and empower individuals and communities to develop cultural activities. 

Open to applicants from July 1, the Creative Communities programme will distribute up to £600,000 to support communities to develop new initiatives involving culture and creative arts for the period October 2020-June 2021.

In addition to investing in projects, Inspiring Scotland will provide a number of community organisations with development support to progress ideas to the point where they can be more fully funded over the course of a second year.

The programme has been developed to deliver key aspects of the new Culture Strategy for Scotland and is jointly funded by the Scottish Government through the Culture, Tourism and Major Events Directorate and the Justice Directorate.

Although no predetermined outcomes are set, it is anticipated that funded projects will work to improve mental wellbeing and reduce loneliness, as well as encouraging diversion from criminal behaviour and involvement with the criminal justice system.

Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Humza Yousaf said:

“In launching Creative Communities at this time, we recognise the impact the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had on our creative sector and communities.

“The importance and benefits of the arts are crucial at this challenging time. I am keen to continue the good work of the Cashback for Communities programme by providing more diversionary activities within the culture sector to help steer young people away from potential antisocial or even criminal behaviour.”

Inspiring Scotland’s CEO, Celia Tennant said:

“We are delighted to be supporting the Scottish Government to deliver the Culture Strategy through Creative Communities.  We look forward to supporting a community-led approach, developing cultural activities which will lead to improved outcomes for people and communities. The third sector will be a key partner and we look forward to working alongside them and other local partners to make a difference to communities across Scotland”

Further information

Proposals must be community-led from conception through to delivery. We expect that many communities will look to partner with organisations and/or individuals with expertise and skills in the creative arts to deliver their ideas. Lead applicants must be not-for-profit and based in and/or primarily operating in Scotland.

To find out more, request an application form and read the application guidance notes click here.

One-to-one surgeries will be held throughout July. Book an appointment here.

We will also host a webinar on the 15th July. Register here.

If you have any questions on the programme, please email creative@inspiringscotland.org.uk

Connect and stay up to date with Creative Communities and Inspiring Scotland on Twitter @IScreativecomm and @InspiringSland

Inspiring Scotland will deliver the programme providing support to successful organisations and working with the Scottish Government to achieve the ambition of the Culture Strategy for Scotland.