The Scottish Arts Council is calling for applications for the next round of funding for its artist residency programme, partners. In celebration of Highland 2007, Scotland’s year of Highland culture, priority for this round of awards will be given to nationwide projects that meet the aims and objectives of Highland 2007.

Highland 2007 is a year long programme of events which aims to promote the Highlands as a great place to live and visit by showcasing the unique and special nature of Highland culture past, present and future. It will provide opportunities for people across Scotland and around the world, to take part in a wide range of events and projects celebrating Highland culture.

Events planned as part of Highland 2007 include the Big Willow event, the European Pipe Band Championships and traditional music events including the Royal National Mod and Blas.

The Scottish Arts Council is encouraging organisations across Scotland to apply for funding for residency based projects to ensure that the event is a nationwide celebration. £500,000 has been earmarked for projects that will leave a lasting legacy for communities, with grants of between £4000 and £40,000 available to provide artists and communities across Scotland with the opportunity to get involved and celebrate Highland culture through the arts.

Residencies can be in any artform and can include proposals for international artists to become artists in residence in Scotland. The deadline for applications for this round of awards is 3 July 2006.

Partners is a Lottery funded initiative which was launched in May 2005 to give communities who previously had little or no involvement in the arts, including people in areas of multiple deprivation, new opportunities to participate in arts projects with professional artists in a variety of artforms.

Karen Ward Boyd, Project Officer for partners said: “Highland 2007 promises to be an opportunity for a range of cultural experiences and I look forward to seeing arts residencies taking place nationwide celebrating Highland culture.

“I would encourage organisations across Scotland to apply for partners funding for their residency projects so that as many people as possible have the opportunity to get involved.”

Fiona Hampton, director of Highland 2007, added: “This is an excellent opportunity for communities and artists across Scotland to become involved in what is going to be an amazing year of celebration. The partners fund will help ensure that arts projects throughout Scotland receive support to leave a legacy that goes well beyond Highland 2007.”