Creative Scotland

Creative Scotland, established in 2010 as Scotland's national development agency for the arts, screen, and creative industries, operates as a Non-Departmental Public Body sponsored by the Scottish Government and funded by government and National Lottery sources. Based in Edinburgh, its mission is to champion quality and excellence in creativity, foster widespread participation, enrich Scottish culture, and bolster the creative economy through advocacy, development, and partnerships across sectors. Core values emphasize diversity, inclusion, fair work, sustainability—especially climate response—and international collaboration, with a distinctive statutory remit focused on artistic ambition, sector resilience, and equitable access across urban, rural, and island communities.

It funds thematic priorities in visual arts, music, theatre, dance, literature, film/TV, and creative industries like crafts, design, digital media, and publishing. Beneficiaries include artists, practitioners, cultural organizations, audiences, and underrepresented groups; supported activities span individual practice, organizational development, festivals, exhibitions, commissions, touring, outreach, education, research, and infrastructure, prioritizing inclusive, innovative projects that enhance wellbeing, representation, and economic impact.

Eligible applicants are Scotland-based UK-registered charities and constituted community groups, with some targeted funds (e.g., Creative Communities Scotland) limited to organizations with annual income under £500,000; open funds suit small to medium entities without strict caps. Typical grants range £1,000–£100,000 (often £10,000–£50,000) for up to 18 months, covering projects, programmes, capacity building, and limited core costs.

Unsolicited applications are accepted year-round via online forms for the rolling National Lottery Open Fund (decisions in 10–14 weeks); targeted funds have deadlines like 18 September 2025. Exclusions include non-Scottish entities and for-profits; it stands out for its national leadership on fair work, environmental sustainability, and Scotland-specific cultural advancement.