Creative Scotland

In 2009, an innovative package of projects to support Scotland's artists and practitioners during this tough economic climate was announced by the Scottish Government and was the first Creative Scotland branded initiative.  The £5million investment is split over 2009/2010 and 2010/2011. 

The Innovation Fund projects include:

• Vital Spark: awards of between £20,000 and £100,000 to encourage work that goes beyond the boundaries of creative disciplines and supports collaboration between artists, film makers, practitioners and producers across disciplines. The Vital Spark awards will reward experimentation, radical new work and innovative approaches to engaging with audiences. (£1 million)
• Digital Media IP Fund: designed to maximize the creative, cultural and commercial opportunities presented by new and emerging technologies. Created in partnership with Scottish Enterprise, who have invested £1.5million, alongside £1.5million from the Creative Scotland Innovation fund.
• Starter for 6: a pioneering programme to support creative entrepreneurs, managed by Cultural Enterprise Office (£1million)
• Highland Arts Programme: £300,000 invested in music, dance, literature, drama, crafts and visual arts development in the Highlands., with an additional £100,000 coming each from The Highland Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
• Rural Innovation Fund: £100,000 invested in the South of Scotland Creative Enterprise Initiative Partnership. The project will support creative individuals and micro enterprises in rural areas to develop their business skills and networks, and test new ways of reaching new markets.
• pARTners: £500,000 for the Creative Scotland Partners artists' residency fund - to provide additional innovative residencies for artists to work with communities in education, health and the environment. The Innovation Fund doubles the funding currently available from the Scottish Arts Council.
• Own Art: investment in galleries to improve and increase their digital capacity and online marketing capacity. (£250,000)