Open Fund

FAQs for the Open Fund.

Why have you split the fund between individuals and organisations?

We are conscious of the different needs of individuals and organisations...
Will the balance of awards between individuals and organisations be the same as previously?

This is a responsive fund and we expect the allocation of awards to reflect demand.
I’m an individual working with a company structure. Which strand of the fund should I apply to?

If you are a freelance artist or creative practitioner, or a sole trader...
Where has the section on Reaching People gone?

This section has been revised to reflect the restrictions that are in place on social distancing and public...

Why have you changed the length a project can last for from 2 years to 12 months?

We want our funds to reach as many people as possible. This measure will help us...
Why can't I seek permission to apply for over £100k anymore?

We want our funds to reach as many people as possible. This measure will help us...
Can I make two applications at the same time to the new Open Fund?

No – an applicant can only have one...
Can I have more than one live Open Fund project at any one time? 

Yes – you can have up to two live projects at any time. If you have been funded by the Open Fund...

I have previously received funding – does this affect my chances of support? 

Whilst assessors do consider your track record in your artform or specialist area, previous funding from...
My project is due to start sooner, can you fast track my application? 

No – our turnaround times are set as 8 weeks for applications requesting...
Can I reapply if my first application is unsuccessful? 

Yes, you can reapply once to the Open Fund: Sustaining...
Can Creative Scotland read over or review an application before it is submitted? 

No. We’re happy to help answer any questions you might have, but we can’t review applications...

Can I speak to someone directly before applying? 

Yes. You can contact our Enquiries Service who can offer you initial advice on eligibility...
Can I get help on budgets?

The Creative Scotland website has a page designed...
Where can I get more information about EDI policies and plans?

We have a page designed to help you understand the Equalities, Diversity and...
Can I apply for Capital funding?

Currently, through all our funding programmes Creative Scotland does not support the purchase...

Are Theatre/Dance Touring Applications eligible for Open Fund support?

If you are applying to present a theatre or dance work at more than two locations, you should...
What other funds does Creative Scotland offer? 

You can see all our funding programmes on our...
Can I apply to multiple different funds for the same project?

No, you cannot apply to multiple funding programmes that...
What should a CV or biography should cover?

A CV or biography is a short document which summarises...

The form seems longer than that of the previous Open Project Fund. Do I have to write more?

In response to feedback on the previous Open Project Fund guidance...
What has changed in the revised guidance/forms following the July review?

There have been no major changes – in the main we have aimed to add clarity...
I am an independent producer. Can I have more than one application in the assessment process if they are for different artists’ projects?

Yes, you are permitted to have more than one application in the assessment process...
How far in advance can I submit my application?

We do not have an upper limit for how far in advance you can apply for a project...

How many supporting documents can I include with my application?

Supporting documents are intended to provide additional context for your application...
I work in an area which does not have industry rates of pay, what would you advise I put as a rate?

You should enter in a rate which is at least equal to the living wage. You may want to draw...
Can I apply to both the Open Fund and the National Lottery?

Yes, you can apply to different Lottery distributors for the same project, but you must ensure...
What is the difference between the risk question in the application form and the information you are requesting in the separate risk form?

The question in the application form (question 3.2) asks you to describe your overall...

How can I plan for public activity as part of my application if I don’t know when social distancing restrictions will be lifted?

We appreciate that COVID-19 guidance from the UK and Scottish Governments is changing...
Is it necessary for you to ask for EDI and environmental impact information in three different places on the form?

We regard consideration of environmental impact and EDI as core principles for all publicly...
Can I apply if I am a student / if my project involves students?

Students are not eligible to apply for Creative Scotland funding. We don’t support students...
Can amateur theatre groups apply?

Yes, amateur theatre groups are eligible to apply provided the project meets the...

What activity in schools is eligible for funding?

This fund doesn’t support schools or parents’ groups for general arts activity happening...
Do you support self-publishing?

The Open Fund will not support authors looking for funding to self-publish their...
Can I apply for the development of a website?

We would not consider an application solely for the development of a website...
Can Comedians apply to the Open Fund?

Yes. Individuals, projects, festivals and organisations, including comedy and individual...

What do we mean by artist-led?

In the context of arts activity in schools, 'artist-led' means that the artist or arts...
How is this fund different to the previous Open Project Fund?

The new Open Fund: Sustaining Creative Development is different in a number of ways:...

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