We offer a range of investment opportunities across the arts, screen and creative industries

Resources provided for the creative sectors in Scotland

Talent Development

Please download the Full Application Guidelines for a detailed description of the three opportunities and how to apply:


Purpose: To invest in creative talent and the creative skills which are vital to the success of our society.

Creative Scotland’s role in this purpose is to foster the right environment for talent to emerge, to work with others to identify talent and to instigate and support initiatives that will accelerate its development for maximum potential. 

It is our responsibility to ensure that our investment in talent dovetails with our skills development. We will act in areas of specific need such as initiatives to promote the acquisition of technical skills, business skills, leadership skills or in areas of professional practice for creative practitioners. This year we are investing in the development of Leadership skills for the cultural sector in partnership with the Clore Leadership Programme and Creative and Cultural Skills.  We are also investing in partnership with the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.

We recognise that perceptions of talent can be subjective, and this, can lead to talent being supported in line with the dominant cultural norms or within current economic constructs. In devolving investment (where appropriate) to a range of partners, we wish to enable greater plurality of decision making and a wider range of approaches to developing talent and skills.

The Guidelines and/or Criteria are offered where we wish to clarify any item within the Application Form. Note that not all questions will have guidance. If you are unclear about any aspect of the Application Form please make your best attempt at completing it.

When completing your budget please include all income and expenditure, including any partnership income. For in-kind support please include an approximate financial value.

This year you can apply for three opportunities :

  • Creative Futures
  • Professional Development
  • Talent Hubs and Incubators

Creative Futures HQ

Creative Futures HQ is an online social network created to support the Creative Futures programme by providing a place for partner organisations and individuals involved to interact and learn from each other - it's also a useful resource for those interested in providing or taking part in a residency in the future. Explore Creative Futures HQ.