Commissioning

Overview

Each year, we commission a small number of artistic and community activism projects which are led by refugees and migrants based in Scotland. We support people who were already working as writers, activists or artists before coming to Scotland.

We’re also working with people who weren’t able to pursue their artistic interests in their home country. Lots of the people we work with have fled places where cultural censorship made it impossible for them to express themselves creatively in open society.

Commissions

• 2-3 projects
• Support with planning and production from the Cross Borders team
• Opportunities to connect with partner organisations
• Funding of £5,500-£8,000 per project
• Your grant will be paid in two instalments

Commissions for the 2022-2023 programme have now been selected.

Who can apply

Submissions for commissioned projects from both individuals and groups are welcome. Applicants can be artists, activists and cultural practitioners from a refugee or other migrant background. You must be based in Scotland. 

Commissions are open to people who are interested in, or already practising visual arts, curation, artistic production, film, music, performance, cooking, dance, literature, design, journalism, cultural heritage and community engagement.

• Are you seeking opportunities for creative expression and participation?
• Do you earn a living, or hope to carve out a career through activism or creative arts?
• Are you looking for ways to improve cultural and community life for yourself and others? 

Priority will be given to those who have had little or no support like this before. People who do not have refugee status are welcome to apply. If your application is successful, we will coordinate your grant so that it does not impact on your claim for asylum.

Commissions for the 2022-2023 programme have now been selected.

Successful applicants should receive the first instalment of their grant by mid June. The second grant instalment will be paid by June 2023.

If you have any questions about the project, please contact Beulah Ezeugo: beulah.ezeugo@scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk