A dynamic new £20,000 arts funding initiative has been launched today by the Scottish Arts Council and Young Scot to provide financial support for young people involved in arts and to encourage them to make the most of their creative talents. This is the first time nationwide grants of this level have been made available directly to young people via the Scottish Arts Council to help them get their arts projects off the ground.

The Scottish Arts Council Young Scot Action Fund has been created in direct response to a recent report from the Scottish Arts Council, ‘Expressing Themselves – National Youth Consultation on the Arts’, which was carried out by Young Scot to allow young people to have their say in how the arts are delivered. It revealed that although young people have a positive attitude towards the arts, barriers exist that restrict their access. By listening to what they have said and offering their support, the Scottish Arts Council has shown its dedication to helping young Scots fulfil their creative potential.

The year long funding scheme is open to all young people (aged 12-26) and will award grants of up to £200 to individuals and £750 to groups to help them get the most out of all artforms including dance, drama, music, literature, film, visual arts and crafts. Young people are encouraged to use their initiative and apply to the Action Fund to help turn their creative ideas into action whether it be travel to attend an audition, publicity for a youth dance event, attending a dj-ing course or buying materials or costumes. The funding is also available to support young people taking part in community focused arts projects that benefit their local area.

Joan Parr, Head of Education at the Scottish Arts Council welcomed the new fund and added: “The young people in our research were very clear on their passion for all kinds of arts experiences.  There is certainly no shortage of imagination out there and I’m delighted that our partnership with Young Scot will allow some of those creative ambitions to become a reality.”

Louise Macdonald, deputy chief executive of Young Scot says; “We are delighted with the commitment that the Scottish Arts Council has demonstrated in supporting the ideas of young people. The assistance from the Scottish Arts Council Young Scot Action Fund will enable young people across Scotland to pursue their creative dreams and make a real difference to their community.  To any young person who’s got a bright idea– we’d urge them to grab an application and apply now!”.

Scottish Arts Council Young Scot Action Fund

How to apply: If you would like to get your hands on an application form, please write to Young Scot, Rosebery House, 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5EZ or phone:          Young Scot 0131 313 2488 or email arts@youngscot.org  Applications are also available at www.youngscot.org