Practitioners looking to develop their careers across all art forms and collaboration models are encouraged to apply.
Since 2019, the Diversity and Inclusion Fund has supported the exceptional work of Creative and Cultural practitioners in Edinburgh. Now in its eighth edition, this 2026 round of funding will support self-employed creatives with protected characteristics to engage audiences in our city; offering £70,000.00 in total to support the vital cultural work of our city’s freelance creative community.
Individual grants include*:
- 10x £1,000 stipends to musicians to host live music events;
- 4x £2,500 bursaries to individual artists, for a group exhibition at St Margaret’s Hall;
- 4x £2,500 bursaries offered to parents returning to their creative practices;
- and eight £5k awards towards collaborative projects, preference given to innovative applications incorporating interdisciplinary approaches.
*up to a maximum of the quoted number of grants will be awarded per category.
This fund will support projects and activities, including the development and delivery of creative work and cultural events in Edinburgh utilising one or multiple art forms; such as visual art, performing arts (music, dance, spoken word and theatre), film, digital arts, literature and poetry.
Cultural practitioners looking to develop their careers across all art forms and modes of collaboration are encouraged to apply via the Consultation Hub on the City of Edinburgh Council Website.
Applicants should consult the fund guidelines and all supporting information provided before applying.
The deadline for applications is Monday 2nd November 2026 (23:59 GMT).