Creators’ Fund+ Grants & Mentorship Programme – UK

Creators’ Fund+ is a new 1-year pilot programme, supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.

We Are Here Scotland, is committed to challenging the inequalities within Scotland’s creative industries. They feel the need to ensure that the developing careers of BPoC (Black People and People of Colour) creative and cultural professionals are supported on a consistent and meaningful basis. The fund is a small way in which they can move things forward and maintain a presence in Scotland that they hope can inspire future generations of creative and cultural professionals and also be the start of a much-needed discussion regarding representation in Scotland’s creative industries.

Building on the success of the previous Creators’ Fund, Creators’ Fund+ seeks to further support and elevate BPoC creative and cultural professionals in Scotland.

These enhancements were informed by feedback and learnings from the first 3 cohorts of Creators’ Fund recipients. By increasing financial support and mentorship hours Creators’ Fund+ aims to provide meaningful career development opportunities for BPoC creative and cultural professionals. Furthermore, the success of previous participants including increased work and commissions, progression of career and increased industry presence indicates that if this is enhanced through Creators’ Fund+ this will further benefit individuals and their communities.

What you will get?

• 8 Black and People of Colour creative and cultural professionals based in Scotland will receive a practical funding opportunity via a £2000 grant which includes 20 hours of mentoring built in from industry professionals with 5+ years experience.
• This breaks down as follows:
  • Total grant = £2000
  • Amount committed to project development = £1476
  • Payment for time being mentored (20 hours x £26.20 per hour for new graduate as per SAU rates) = £524
• The grant is intended to support the development of creative businesses and can be used for various purposes, including projects, development, materials, studio time, courses, and personal fees related to a specific project.

Outcomes

• The expected outcomes include 8 BPoC creative and cultural professionals receiving £2000 in funding, gaining valuable mentoring and industry connections, creating new works, increasing visibility, and contributing to the growth of a more diverse and inclusive cultural landscape within Scotland’s creative industries.

About Mentoring

• They are seeking mentors with 5+ professional working years to provide valuable guidance and industry connections to support the career development of the participants.
• This includes people from Black and POC communities and the allies.
• They are looking for mentors to provide 20 hours of mentoring paid at £42 per hours as per SAU rates.

Eligibility Criteria

• Please note that the Creators’ Fund is for individuals who identify as Black or a Person of Colour
• Be aged 18 years old and above
• Be living in Scotland
• Be studying or practicing as an artist or creative in Scotland. E.g. enrolled on a college or university course, informally trained as an artist, with an artist studio, creative/creative professional or sharing/showing their work on a public platform including social media. Please note that you do not have to have your work displayed on a public platform. They would like to see example of your work, please be mindful of this.

For more information, visit WAHS.