Submit Applications for Youth Arts Open Fund (United Kingdom)

The Youth Arts Open Fund provides grants of up to £10,000 for freelance artists and £20,000 for eligible not-for-profit organisations to deliver free, high-quality arts activities for children and young people across Scotland. The fund prioritises youth-led, community-based projects that improve access to creative opportunities, particularly for young people who face barriers to participation.

About the Youth Arts Open Fund

The Youth Arts Open Fund is administered by YouthLink Scotland as part of Creative Scotland’s commitment to expanding access to arts and creative experiences for children and young people. The programme is funded by the Scottish Government and supports projects that encourage creativity, self-expression, confidence, wellbeing, and personal development.

The fund enables freelance artists and eligible organisations to develop and deliver arts projects lasting up to 12 months, with a strong emphasis on inclusion, accessibility, and youth participation.

A total funding budget of £758,000 is available through the current funding round.

Focus Areas

The fund supports projects that promote:

• High-quality arts activities
• Accessible creative opportunities
• Youth-led arts programmes
• Community-based arts participation
• Creative expression
• Personal development
• Confidence building
• Health and wellbeing
• Skills development
• Inclusive arts participation
• Equal access to creative experiences
• Arts engagement for disadvantaged children and young people
• Diverse art forms beyond music

Grant Amount

Funding available under the programme includes:

• Freelance Artists: Up to £10,000
• Eligible Organisations: Up to £20,000

Total Programme Budget: £758,000

Projects may run for a maximum of 12 months.

Eligible Activities

Funding may support projects that:

• Deliver free arts workshops and activities.
• Encourage youth-led creative projects.
• Build confidence and creative skills.
• Improve children’s health and wellbeing through the arts.
• Support community-based creative programmes.
• Increase access to arts for underrepresented groups.
• Encourage participation across multiple art forms.
• Promote creativity, collaboration, and self-expression.

Projects should actively involve children and young people in shaping and leading activities.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Freelance artists
• Creative third-sector organisations
• Youth work organisations
• Registered charities
• Voluntary organisations
• Community groups
• Social enterprises
• Other eligible not-for-profit organisations

Applicants must:

• Be based in Scotland.
• Have experience working with children and young people.
• Demonstrate the ability to deliver free community-based arts activities.
• Follow youth-led project principles.
• Deliver projects that are free for all participants.

Organisations currently receiving Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding may also apply if the proposed project is separate from their existing funded activities.

Priority will be given to smaller organisations to help strengthen their capacity.

Eligible Costs

Funding may support costs related to:

• Artist fees
• Project delivery
• Workshop materials
• Community engagement
• Venue hire
• Project management
• Accessibility measures
• Creative resources
• Participant support
• Evaluation and reporting

Ineligible Activities

The fund does not support:

• Projects where music is the primary or sole focus.
• Music-only programmes.
• Projects that charge participants.
• Activities that do not demonstrate a youth-led approach.

Music may form part of a broader multidisciplinary arts programme but cannot be the main activity, as standalone music projects are supported through the Youth Music Initiative Access to Music Making Fund.

Assessment Criteria

Applications will be assessed on:

• Quality of the proposed arts activities.
• Youth-led project design.
• Accessibility and inclusion.
• Community impact.
• Engagement of children and young people.
• Support for participants facing barriers.
• Organisational or applicant capacity.
• Value for money.
• Contribution to personal development and wellbeing.

Why This Fund Matters

Many children and young people face barriers to accessing creative opportunities due to financial, social, or geographic challenges.

The Youth Arts Open Fund helps organisations and artists:

• Expand access to high-quality arts experiences.
• Empower young people through creativity.
• Improve confidence and wellbeing.
• Strengthen community participation.
• Encourage youth leadership.
• Build creative skills.
• Reduce inequalities in arts access.
• Support long-term personal development.

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare a detailed proposal that includes:

1. A description of the proposed arts project.
2. Evidence of experience working with children and young people.
3. A clear explanation of the youth-led approach.
4. Details of how activities will remain free for participants.
5. A project timeline of up to 12 months.
6. A detailed budget.
7. Information on expected outcomes and community impact.
8. Plans for monitoring and evaluating project success.

Applications should be submitted according to the published funding guidance and deadlines.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Demonstrate genuine youth participation in project design.
• Clearly explain how children and young people will influence decision-making.
• Show how the project improves access for underrepresented groups.
• Include strong safeguarding and accessibility measures.
• Present a realistic budget and delivery plan.
• Highlight experience delivering community arts programmes.
• Explain how the project supports wellbeing, confidence, and personal growth.
• Ensure music is not the primary focus of the project.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Youth Arts Open Fund?

The Youth Arts Open Fund supports freelance artists and not-for-profit organisations in Scotland to deliver free, youth-led arts activities for children and young people.

How much funding is available?

Freelance artists can apply for up to £10,000, while eligible organisations can request up to £20,000.

Who can apply?

Freelance artists, charities, community groups, youth organisations, social enterprises, voluntary organisations, and other eligible not-for-profit organisations based in Scotland.

Are projects required to be free?

Yes. All funded activities must be offered free of charge to participants.

Can organisations already receiving Creative Scotland funding apply?

Yes. Organisations receiving Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding may apply if the proposed project is separate from their existing funded work.

Are music projects eligible?

Music may be included within a broader arts programme, but projects where music is the primary or sole focus are not eligible.

What type of projects receive priority?

Priority is given to youth-led, inclusive, community-based projects that improve access to arts opportunities for children and young people who have traditionally faced barriers to participation.

Conclusion

The Youth Arts Open Fund provides significant support for freelance artists and not-for-profit organisations delivering inclusive, youth-led arts programmes across Scotland. By funding free creative activities that promote confidence, wellbeing, and self-expression, the programme helps ensure that more children and young people can access meaningful arts experiences regardless of their background or circumstances.