We Are Here Scotland Empowers BPOC Artists with New Creators’ Fund+

We Are Here Scotland has launched an exciting new version of their Creators Fund, designed to support Black People and People of Colour (BPOC) creatives with financial support and mentorships.

The Creators’ Fund+ will provide eight BPOC creatives a grant of £2,000 each, alongside invaluable mentorship consisting of 20 hours of guidance from seasoned industry professionals. This funding aims to support these creatives at a crucial stage in their careers, helping them to further their work and impact in the arts and cultural sectors.

The pilot program, backed by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, is set to empower BPOC artists and creatives with financial grants and professional mentorship.

The fund offers practical support and sparks a broader conversation about representation in the arts. Despite their rich contributions, BPOC creatives have historically been underrepresented in Scottish creative industries. By providing these opportunities, We Are Here Scotland hopes to inspire future generations and begin to shift the landscape towards greater inclusion.

Applications for the Creators’ Fund+ close on June 3, 2024. The selected recipients will be announced by July 4, 2024, and will receive their funding soon after.

Ica Headlam, founder and director of We Are Here Scotland, expressed his excitement about the launch of Creators’ Fund+:

“To date we’ve successfully completed three rounds of The Creators’ Fund, benefiting 21 artists and creatives from a diverse array of disciplines. Each participant received individual support from experienced mentors within the creative industry, guiding them through their Creators’ Fund journey.”

The winners of the funding will be showcased at a special event in November, where the achievements and creations of the recipients will be celebrated. The Creators’ Showcase promises to be a big night featuring performances, live music, and a showcase of the diverse and dynamic talents nurtured through this fund.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in the support and development of BPOC creatives in Scotland, and it exemplifies We Are Here Scotland’s commitment to enriching the Scottish cultural landscape through diversity and inclusion.

In the past, Ica has shared that WAHS was careful to design a smooth application process, ensuring it doesn’t discourage anyone. Applying for some funding can be very stressful and deter people from trying. As a result, the Creators Fund application process is designed to be straightforward to use.

You can read more about the fund and start your application here. Applications close on 3 June 2024.