Funding for creative industries

There are a number of organisations which support the development of companies and projects within the Scottish creative industries sector.

Creative Scotland

Creative Scotland offers a range of investment opportunities across the arts, screen and creative industries through a range of initiatives, projects and activities designed to develop talent, audiences and businesses across the country.

What investment opportunities are currently available

Investing in Arts

Investment opportunities for arts projects are offered in a number of ways, depending on the type of investment you are looking for. Some have no fixed deadlines and you can apply at any time, other applications operate within fixed deadline dates.

For further information and to apply visit Investing in Arts web page.

MEDIA Antenna Scotland

Creative Scotland also hosts and co-funds MEDIA Antenna Scotland, the information office of the European Union’s MEDIA Programme which offers a wide variety of funding for film, television and new media. MEDIA offers funding for development, training, distribution, markets and festivals.

For further information and to apply visit MEDIA Antenna Scotland.

Cultural Enterprise Office

The Cultural Enterprise Office work within Scotland’s enterprise network, offering specialist support directly to creative clients and/or referring them on to other appropriate services within the network depending on their needs. Funds offered include:

  • Starter for 6 - an enterprise training programme that supports up and coming creative entrepreneurs across Scotland. By helping to turn creative ideas into successful businesses, the programme not only contributes towards the success of the Scottish economy but also raises the awareness and profile of talented entrepreneurs in Scotland.

Abertay University

  • Abertay University aims to help create at least 30 new UK businesses by supporting and encouraging them in the creation of their own intellectual property.
  • Games development funding - if you are planning a new games development company, or running one already you can apply for up to £25,000 of support.

For further information and to apply visit Abertay's support for business section.

Scotland Europa funding guide

Scotland Europa have compiled a handy guide for the current European and Regional funding opportunities of interest to the creative industry sector. 

PDF document EU creative industries funding guide (PDF, 675kB)