A scheme which gives cultural organisations, community groups, charities, and individual artists an opportunity to apply for a share of £128,000 to deliver creative activity in Aberdeen is now open.
The Creative Funding programme, which also supporting the sector by facilitating new work to enrich the lives of people living in and visiting the city.
Previous years have had awards for festivals, community groups, brand new arts organisations, and support for projects run by individual artists and established organisations.
A range of projects can be considered such as performances, exhibitions, networking events or even something completely new and innovative - there are few limitations on the type of project that can be supported.
In 2022-23, the programme supported 23 organisations and ten individuals whose projects reached an audience of more than 40,000 and also contributed about £393,500 in additional funding to the city.
Aberdeen City Council Culture Spokesperson Councillor Martin Greig said: “This programme is a great way to support and enable artistic activities right across the city.
“Culture is important and should be enjoyed and experienced by as many as possible. We, therefore, encourage local artists and community groups to think about applying so that they can play a part in enriching the creative life of our city for the benefit of all.
“Many individuals and organisations have already benefited from the scheme. It will be good to help more people develop their expressive work.”
In the last financial year, the programme supported Friends of Elphinstone to create a Doric anthology where 35 writers contributed contemporary prose compiled into a pamphlet of new work which was distributed to every primary school in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire along with a learning pack.
It also supported Soundplay Projects North East, which used light, sound, and music to engage more than 300 young people in school who have additional support needs. A total of 735 adults and children also explored the high spec audio installation at Aberdeen Art Gallery.
The 2023/24 funding has opened today (Monday 24 April 2023) with a deadline of Sunday 4 June 2023 at 12midnight. Applicants will be notified of the outcome by Thursday 20 July 2023.
Organisations, charities, and community groups can apply for up to £8,000 while individuals are able to apply for up to £2,500 for the delivery of participatory activity and projects, and up to eight individual awards are available to be allocated this year. Applications and information are available at Creative Funding Awards | Aberdeen City Council
There is an online information session on Thursday 4 May 2023 from 6pm to 7pm and to register for a place, go to Creative Funding Awards | Aberdeen City Council. Advice sessions can also be booked by emailing creativefunding@aberdeencity.gov.uk.
Pic credit: Soundplay Projects North East and the Photographer: Geraldine Heaney