The Culture Grants scheme aims to encourage and support creativity in local communities. It can support activities in the following areas:

• literature (includes writing, books, storytelling, readings, publishing)
• performance (includes theatre, performance, drama, music and dance)
• heritage (includes museums, libraries, archives and history)
• audio-visual (includes film and video, radio, new media)
• visual arts/crafts (includes art, painting, sculpture, crafts, design, fashion and architecture)

Grants are discretionary and only one application will be considered from an individual/group in any financial year (1 April to 31 March).

Who can apply

Individuals

Culture grants from £50 to £150 are available to individuals of any age, who live in Fife:

• to take part in new cultural experiences
• who want to develop their creative talent and skills

You could use the grant to help you attend a short course or conference, take lessons in something you’re good at, purchase equipment, or research local history.

These grants are for you to do things you could not do otherwise. We will expect you to tell us how your grant helped you develop your creativity and knowledge.

Parents and guardians can apply on your behalf, if you are under 18 years old. You must write your own report and include comments from your named independent referee.

Groups

Culture grants from £100 to £500 are available for groups in Fife:

• to start or develop creative activities within the group
• to add to your group’s experience if you already have artistic or cultural aims
• to organise a cultural experience for group members

Groups could pay a tutor to lead an experimental activity, buy materials, organise a visit to a performance, put on a film screening, or create an archive.

Who cannot apply

You cannot apply:

• for payment towards a college or university course, or for a short course that you have already started
• if you earn a living from your craft (artists, sculptors, writers, jewellery makers, etc)
• if you have received funding from the Visual Arts and Crafts Grant Scheme

Criteria

You need to apply 8 weeks prior to the event/course being held. We may not be able to give you the full amount you apply for.

Groups have to be constituted to be able to apply. The only exception is for groups of young people who do not need to be constituted. In these cases, you will have to provide a local independent professional referee who supports the application.

We will expect you to tell us how your grant helped your group develop creative opportunities for your members or for others in your local area.

Eligible exhibition items include exhibition boards, equipment purchase or hire marketing and publicity costs, framing and mounting materials, workshop costs, e.g. tutor fees/materials

Culture Grant does not cover accommodation, travel expenses, refreshments, costumes, or hall hire.

Payment of the award

You will be allowed 2 consecutive awards, then a rest year will be expected before you can reapply for funding assistance.

How to apply

Fill out the Culture Grant application form

Completed forms should be emailed to community.grants@fife.gov.uk or sent to the following postal address, for assessment and processing:

Community Grants,
Community Investment Team
Fife Council Communities & Neighbourhoods
Fife House (F3 Main)
North Street
Glenrothes
KY7 5LT

For advice or an informal discussion on Culture Grants, email Karen Taylor at karenm.taylor@onfife.com

For general information on Community Grant Schemes, contact Mandy Rossiter on 01592 583 334 or community.grants@fife.gov.uk