Expanded Festivals Fund

About the Open Call

The Expanded Festivals Fund, initiated by the Scottish Government and delivered by Creative Scotland, supports non-profit cultural festivals in Scotland. It aims to enable innovation in programming, showcase Scottish and Scotland-based artists and practitioners, expand international and domestic reach, and create opportunities for skills or sector development. The fund has three strands: International Opportunities and Showcasing, Innovative Programming, and Sector and Talent Development. Eligible festivals must be based in Scotland, run annually or biennially, showcase work by professional Scottish and Scotland-based artists of national and international significance, and have a proven track record of at least three consecutive editions. It offers funding for activity between 1 May 2026 and 31 December 2027.

What is Offered

The fund offers grants ranging from £50,000 to £200,000 to non-profit cultural festivals in Scotland. These funds are intended to support innovation in programming, showcase Scottish and Scotland-based artists, expand reach, and facilitate skills or sector development. The funding covers activities taking place between May 1, 2026, and December 31, 2027. It also provides opportunities for professional development and networking within the cultural sector.

Requirements

Applicant festivals must be based in Scotland and deliver an annual or biennial festival that showcases work by professional Scottish and Scotland-based artists of both national and international significance. They must have a proven track record of successful delivery of at least three consecutive editions. The festival's cultural and artistic programme must be open to the public, based in Scotland, have a core delivery period of 3 days to one month, and a distinctive artistic or cultural identity. Applicants must operate with a charitable or specific purpose, possess appropriate governance, professional management, and administrative infrastructure, and have a proven track record of managing public funds. Additionally, they must have policies addressing the climate emergency, support sustainable business practices, adhere to the Scottish Government’s Fair Work Framework (including Real Living Wage, effective voice mechanisms, no inappropriate zero-hours contracts, action to tackle the gender pay gap, commitment to diversity/inclusion), and have a UK bank account. Multi-Year Funded Organisations must demonstrate that proposed activity is additional to their existing agreements. Unconstituted artists’ groups, collectives, bands, individuals, sole traders, commercial or academic festivals, or organisations seeking funding for activity outside Creative Scotland’s remit or outside Scotland are not eligible.

How to Apply

All applications must be made through Creative Scotland’s online Funding Management System. Applicants should register on the system, log in, select the Expanded Festivals Fund application form, and use the 'Apply Now' button. The form must be completed as instructed and submitted before the Stage 1 deadline of 2pm, Wednesday 15 October 2025. Access support is available. Successful Stage 1 applicants will be invited to submit a Stage 2 application.