In July, the Scottish government announced plans to set aside £2.2 million in aid for grassroots venues amid the COVID-19 crisis. Creative Scotland, the organization overseeing the relief payouts, has begun accepting applications for the “Grassroots Music Venues Stabilisation Fund.”
According to the Creative Scotland website, applicants can apply for aid amounts ranging from £5,000-50,000. “Grassroots live music venues are vital to Scotland’s music ecology, developing music and audiences as well as supporting talent development,” reads a passage. “They are venues where many musicians and music professionals develop their skills and their craft, testing out new approaches and developing audiences, as well as gaining vital experience of live performance.”
Only venues with a capacity of 600 or fewer can apply, although special considerations will be made for venues that can hold up to 1,000 “if a significant grassroots focus can be demonstrated.” Organizations who regularly receive funds from Creative Scotland are precluded from the relief, as are venues operated by local authorities.
Applications will close on September 3rd at 12:00 PM BST, and the recipients will be announced on the 18th. More information as well as a link to the application portal can be found on the “Grassroots Music Venues Stabilisation Fund” website.
