during the coronavirus outbreak. Two of these funds open for applications today."> during the coronavirus outbreak. Two of these funds open for applications today."> during the coronavirus outbreak. Two of these funds open for applications today.">
skip to main content

Creative Scotland Launches Three New Funding Programs

The new funds announced by Creative Scotland on 27 March are designed to provide further support to sustain Scotland’s creative community during the coronavirus outbreak. Two of these funds open for applications today.

Published: 30 March 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
Happy man with a guitar against blue background
The Creative Scotland Bridging Bursary Fund's aim is to help them sustain freelancers' creative practice in Scotland. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

The three news funds are, the Creative Scotland Bridging Bursary Fund for freelance creative professionals, the Screen Scotland Bridging Bursary Fund for self-employed screen sector workers and the Open Fund: Sustaining Creative Development for individuals and organisations.

The Creative Scotland Bridging Bursary Fund

The fund will provide financial support for individual creative practitioners and/or freelancers who are most deeply impacted and disadvantaged by the cancellation of work due to the COVID-19 emergency.

Its aim is to help them sustain their creative practice in Scotland.

The £2 million fund will offer one-off bursary payments of between £500 and £2,500 to help support the immediate needs. Applications to the fund will open on Monday 30 March.

Find out more of Creative Scotland’s website.

The Open Funding: Sustaining Creative Development

This is a revised approach to the organisation’s Open Project Fund and will support creative practitioners to continue to develop work.

Applicants will be encouraged to use funding to explore how best to sustain their practice, and reimagine their work, during the current climate and in the months to come.

Funds may also be used for the development and presentation of work. The £7.5m fund will support up to 12 months of activity with a maximum award of £50,000. Applications to the fund will open on Friday 3 April.

Find out more on Creative Scotland’s website.

A Screen Scotland Bridging Bursary

This £1.5million programme will provide one-off bursaries of £500 to £2,500 to freelance PAYE and self-employed screen sector workers who are experiencing immediate financial difficulty due to loss of income as a result of the Covid-19. Applications will be open on Monday 30 March 2020.

Find out more on Creative Scotland’s website.

Accessing urgent financial support

For more information on sources of financial assistance in times of hardship, and guidance on Government benefits see our Financial Support page.

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool at sunset.

Outer Waves Festival Returns to Liverpool with MU Member Discount

Outer Waves Festival, the North West's newest celebration of underground arts returns to Liverpool 23-24 May 2026. MU North of England Regional Officer Philip Morris will join a panel on gentrification, and MU members can access discounted weekend tickets.

Published: 13 May 2026

Member only Read more about Outer Waves Festival Returns to Liverpool with MU Member Discount
Women sat in front of some water at sunset with headphones on.

Three in Four Performing Arts Professionals Face Career-Impacting Health Issues Says New BAPAM Report

A new BAPAM Impact Report reveals that 75% of performing arts professionals will face a career-impacting health issue, as demand for specialist support reaches record levels. The MU is among the organisations supporting BAPAM’s work to improve health provision across the sector.

Published: 13 May 2026

Read more about Three in Four Performing Arts Professionals Face Career-Impacting Health Issues Says New BAPAM Report
13 members of the Board gathered in front of some stairs.

MU Joins Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board

The MU has joined the new Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board alongside artists, venues, labels, media professionals, academics and industry experts. The Board will help shape the future of the region’s music sector and support long-term growth across the local music ecosystem.

Published: 11 May 2026

Read more about MU Joins Newcastle Gateshead Music City Strategic Board
The panellists sat on the stage with microphones, in front of a screen with saying

MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026

At Liverpool Sound City Conference 2026, the MU brought together industry professionals and working musicians for its ‘Money in the Mix’ panel to demystify these issues and offer practical insights into building a sustainable career in session work.

Published: 11 May 2026

Read more about MU Panel Explores Rates, Rights and Royalties at Sound City 2026