The Youth Arts Open Fund is administered by YouthLink Scotland (the national agency for youth work in Scotland) and is part of Creative Scotland’s wider support for children and young people, funded by the Scottish Government. The purpose of the Youth Arts Open Fund is to support freelance artists or organisations seeking small amounts of funding so that they can deliver arts activity for children and young people, prioritising those who have traditionally found it hardest to access such opportunities.
Funded projects are expected to engage children and young people in high-quality and accessible arts activity that empowers them through self-expression, enhances their health, wellbeing and personal development, and builds their confidence and skills.
Freelance artists can apply for funding up to £8k and organisations can apply for funding of up to £15k, to deliver up to 12 months of arts activity, and there is a total of £740k available.
Who can apply
Awards from the fund will be made to freelance artists or to creative, third sector or youth work organisations. Applicants must be based in Scotland, experienced in working with children and young people and supporting the delivery of free community-based arts activities for children and young people living in Scotland.
Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funded organisations are eligible to apply, but any proposed project must be separate and distinct from their existing Creative Scotland-funded activity. However, the fund aims to build capacity among smaller-scale organisations, and applications from these organisations will be prioritised.
Timeline
- Fund opens: 28 July 2025
- Deadline for applications: 25 August 2025
- Decisions communicated: mid November 2025
- Project delivery: December 2025 – December 2026
- Project reports due: one month after project finish date
Applicant information sessions
Online applicant support sessions are available on the dates below.
To book a place, please contact: Jane Dailly, National Grants Manager, YouthLink Scotland jdailly@youthlink.scot
- Monday 4 August: 10.30 – 11.30 am
- Wednesday 6 August: 1.30 – 2.30pm
- Tuesday 12 August: 11.30am – 12.30 pm
- Thursday 14 August: 10.30 – 11.30am
