Creative Community Partnerships: Collaboration & Exchange Fund

Investing in artists’ development, supporting the local artistic community and enabling it to flourish year-round

With the aim of recognising local practising artists and creative practitioners living throughout Edinburgh, The Creative Community Partnerships: Collaboration & Exchange Fund seeks to create opportunities for greater collaboration between local communities and independent artists.

By promoting the concept of Creative Placemaking, ‘an evolving field of practice that intentionally leverages the power of the arts, culture and creativity to serve a community’s interest while driving a broader agenda for change, growth and transformation in a way that also builds character and quality of place’ (Artscape); this fund aims to celebrate the diversity of Edinburgh’s residential areas as well as unlock the creative powers of local artists to connect arts and communities.

Proposals for art-based interventions and contributions are sought from independent artists based in Edinburgh that demonstrate innovative concepts of engagement through literary work, performance and visual / public art.

Based on local lived experience, the awarded artists will represent local narratives, connect past, present and future, and/or reimagine experience and engagement with the arts. The new work will connect the arts to local residents and seek new ways to connect local audiences with the arts.

Purpose of Scheme

The aim of this fund is to promote greater collaboration, exchange and partnerships between locally based artists and creatives and cultural organisations including collaboration with arts-based community hubs in Edinburgh. The expected project focus is the artists and their practice based in their communities.

Grants will be awarded to artist-led projects that deliver this by connecting directly with residents and communities in a creative way.

FUNDS AVAILABLE

A total budget of £100,000 is available offering grant awards of up to £10,000 for projects developed in financial year 2021/22 and completed by the end of October 2022.

CLOSING DATE

Friday 17 September 2021 (23:59 GMT). 

HOW TO APPLY

Applications and further guidance is available on the Consultation Hub.

Please contact Beata Skobodzinska 0131 529 4577 beata.skobodzinska@edinburgh.gov.uk or Sandra Elgin 0131 529 6720 sandra.elgin@edinburgh.gov.uk if you require advice on your application.

Please register at Eventbrite to participate in the online fund information session to be held on 18 August, 13:00-14:00.