Culture, Wellbeing & Economy Service
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.
Our mission aligns with the Council’s and its aim to develop actions that result in Edinburgh being a welcoming and supportive city for creative practitioners developing their careers.
This fund allocation also aligns with the to build community wealth “[by] harnessing the power of public sector procurement and collective budgets to strengthen local supply chains and create jobs in local communities.”
Who can apply
Practitioners looking to develop their careers across all art forms and collaboration models are encouraged to apply.
Funding will be awarded to projects to support freelance practice and promote greater partnership and collaboration between artists and creative practitioners. Successful applicants will be artists/creative practitioners with protected characteristics based and/or working in Edinburgh proposing work that reaches, involves, benefits and engages audiences in Edinburgh.
Funds available
A total budget of £70,000 is available awarding the following 4 grant categories:
- £1,000 musician stipend
- £2,500 visual arts project bursary
- £2,500 creative parents’ project bursary
- £5,000 collaboration award
Application guidelines and application form
Please for more information and to submit of your proposal.
Information sessions
Online information session 1
23 Sep 2026 at 12pm to 1pm
Online information session 2
19 Oct 2026 at 4pm to 5pm