Pictured: Go Dance, previous Youth Arts Open Fund recipient
A new round of the Youth Arts Open Fund has been launched today. The fund, worth almost half a million pounds, will support children and young people living in poverty and those who face significant barriers to opportunity.
Using arts and creativity to engage children and young people has a huge impact on their learning, mental health, and development, and builds their confidence and skills. Applications are being invited from projects and artists in your local area.
The Youth Arts Open Fund is administered by YouthLink Scotland (the national agency for youth work in Scotland) and is funded by the Scottish Government through Creative Scotland. The purpose of the Youth Arts Open Fund is to support freelance artists or organisations seeking funding so that they can deliver high-quality and accessible arts activity for children and young people, prioritising those who have traditionally found it hardest to access such opportunities.
Freelance artists can apply for funding up to £8k and organisations can apply for funding of up to £15k, to deliver up to 12 months of arts activity.
Awards from the fund will be made to freelance artists or to creative, third sector, or youth work organisations who are based in Scotland, experienced in working with children and young people. Funding should be used to support the delivery of free community-based arts activities for children and young people living in Scotland.
Freelance artists and organisations in your community are encouraged to apply for funding to support creative projects for young people. Applications can be made through the YouthLink Scotland website.
Don't miss this opportunity to bring high-quality arts experiences to children and young people in your area.
Colin Bradie, Head of Creative Learning at Creative Scotland said: “This fund ensures children and young people benefit from high-quality and accessible arts experiences in their communities, targeting those who have traditionally found it hardest to access such opportunities.
"We are delighted to be working with YouthLink Scotland again to not only ensure the funding reaches children and young people across Scotland, but also to introduce a youth-led funding decision process, to ensure the projects are selected by young people, for young people. We therefore welcome the Scottish Government’s continued support for the Youth Arts Open Fund.”
Commenting, Jane Dailly, National Grants Manager for YouthLink Scotland, said:
“The role of the Arts in broadening young people’s horizons should never be underestimated. It is often through the power of creative experiences that young people realise there is a positive path in life and they can achieve their ambitions despite difficult circumstances they may face.
"The continuation of the Youth Arts Open Fund, supported by the Scottish Government, is an investment in the next generation and a mark of a society that values all its young people and their role in our creative industries.”
The deadline for applications is 5th September 2024.
You can apply via the YouthLink Scotland website.
Background
For interview and media enquiries, contact Sarah Paterson, Communications and Public Affairs Manager at YouthLink Scotland on 07804 603762 and at [email protected]
To find out more about the fund, please visit the YouthLink Scotland website.
YouthLink Scotland
YouthLink Scotland is the national agency for youth work. It is a membership organisation and is in the unique position of representing the interests and aspirations of the whole of the sector, both voluntary and statutory. We champion the role and value of the youth work sector, challenging government at national and local levels to invest in the development of the sector.
Creative Scotland
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports culture and creativity across all parts of Scotland, distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Further information at creativescotland.com. Follow us on X, Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about the value of art and creativity in Scotland and join in at www.ourcreativevoice.scot