Youth Arts Open Fund

About the Open Call

The Youth Arts Open Fund, administered by YouthLink Scotland and part of Creative Scotland’s wider support, aims to fund freelance artists or organisations. Applicants can receive up to £8,000 (freelance artists) or £15,000 (organisations) for up to 12 months of arts activity, with a total of £740,000 available. Funded projects should engage children and young people in high-quality, accessible arts activity that empowers them, enhances their health, wellbeing, personal development, and builds confidence and skills. Applicants must be based in Scotland, experienced in working with children and young people, and support free community-based arts activities. The fund cannot solely support music projects, but music can be part of a wider arts offer. Applications from smaller-scale organisations will be prioritised.

What is Offered

Funding of up to £8,000 for freelance artists and up to £15,000 for organisations to deliver arts activity for children and young people.

Requirements

Applicants must be freelance artists or creative, third sector or youth work organisations based in Scotland. They must be experienced in working with children and young people and supporting the delivery of FREE community-based arts activities for children and young people living in Scotland. Creative Scotland “Multi-Year Funded” organisations are eligible for separate projects. Music projects cannot be the prominent or sole focus.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via the provided application form. Applicants should review the Fund Guidance and Technical Guidance documents.