Details

This is a new fund, initiated by the Scottish Government and delivered by Creative Scotland. It supports non-profit cultural festivals in Scotland with funding to enable innovation in programming and/or to showcase Scottish and Scotland-based artists and practitioners.

It aims to support festivals in expanding their international and domestic reach and profile, and/or create opportunities for skills or sector development.

There are three funding strands:

• International Opportunities and Showcasing
• Innovative Programming
• Sector and Talent Development

To be eligible, your festival must:

• Be based in Scotland
• Run annually or biennially
• Showcase work by professional Scottish and Scotland-based artists of both national and international significance

You can apply for between £50,000 and £200,000, for programmes of activity between 1 May 2026 and 31 December 2027.

Premium information is available exclusively to SCVO members and supporters

Geographical areas funded: Scotland

Fund type

Type of funding:

Grant

Type of cost:

Revenue

Fund award sizes

Minimum:

Premium information

Maximum:

Premium information

Who can apply

All applicant festivals must be based in Scotland, deliver an annual or biennial festival that showcases work by professional Scottish and Scotland-based artists of both national and international significance.

Further details listed on Creative Scotland's Website.

When to apply

Applications now open. There is a two-stage application process to the Expanded Festivals Fund.

• Stage 1: Eligibility and Project Overview - currently closed.

• Stage 2: Full Application Opens: 2pm, Wednesday 5 November 2025 Closes: 2pm, Wednesday 17 December 2025

 

How to apply

All applications must be made through Creative Scotland’s online Funding Management System.

For information on how to register, access and complete the application form, visit: my.creativescotland.com/user-guide.

Contact information

Exclusions

Premium information

Activites funded: Arts and culture Citizenship and community involvement

Beneficiaries funded: General public Local communities

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Last reviewed about 6 hours ago