Further phase of national arts funding announced, as Access All Arts report launches

Following a second successful year delivering the Access All Arts Fund, Children in Scotland has today launched the Final Report for year two and announced a third round of funding for 2024.

Funded by Creative Scotland, the Access All Arts Fund supports young people with disabilities, additional support needs, or other financial, social or mental health barriers to the arts to apply for funding for a range of arts activities, from ceramics and painting to music and dance.

The report on this year’s delivery comes ahead of a new round of funding, which will open for applications in the new year.  

Applicant data from year two demonstrated the wide-ranging demand for, and impact of, the Fund on young people across Scotland. Funds were awarded to 161 applicants from 28 local authorities, with an average age of 16. A total of £86,040.89 was distributed to support their activities.  

Evidence from this year’s evaluation demonstrates the overwhelmingly positive impact of the fund on the young people involved. Nearly 92% of respondents to the participant survey said the Fund had had a positive impact on their mental health and wellbeing, while 82% said that receiving funding had helped them to overcome barriers to the arts. 

David Mackay, Head of Policy, Projects and Participation, said: 

“We are thrilled that Creative Scotland has recognised the important impact that the Access All Arts Fund is having in empowering young people. From our report, it is clear that the programme is reaching young people with a range of barriers to the arts, improving their mental health and wellbeing and encouraging new learning opportunities. We are really looking forward to delivering the Fund for a third year in 2024, and again seeing the many creative ways in which children and young people can express themselves.”  

The report also captured direct feedback from Fund recipients. One commented: 

“I am autistic, ADHD and Tourette's so find accessing classes for guitar very difficult, but now I have my own one I can learn at home. I am chilled and do not tic when I am playing guitar. I feel I have been acknowledged and listened to.”  

Another said: 

“It has made a difference to the barriers I have faced as a young care-experienced person with mental health problems. Being able to access the new skills and have the right equipment makes a huge difference. I can see that with support to develop I do have the opportunity to make good progress.” 

Click here to read the full report 

Click here to find out more about the Access All Arts Fund - and keep an eye on our social media channels for announcements about the next round of funding.