External Investment in Culture and Sport
Aberdeen City Council offers a range of external investment programmes in culture and sport which are available to organisations, community groups and individuals. This investment, ranging from small grants through to core funding, is designed to support the delivery of a high quality programme of culture and sport activities, events and services throughout the city. The criteria for this investment is aligned to the aims and objectives of the city's Cultural Strategy, Vibrant Aberdeen and its Sport and Physical Activity Strategy, Fit for the Future and strives to ensure that investment provides best value and opportunities for all city residents. Each investment programme follows the Local Code of Practice for funding external bodies and 'Following the Public Pound'. For further information please click on the below link.
Following the Public Pound Guidance
Aberdeen City Council as part of its The Next Five Years Business Plan is currently undertaking a priority based budgeting exercise which will review all the current external investment in culture and sport in time for the 2013/14 financial year. For further information on this review please click on the below link.
Review of External Investment in Culture and Sport
External Investment Programmes
Presented below is information relating to each of the culture and sport external investment programmes available from Aberdeen City Council. This includes information on the level of funding available, who currently receives funding, who is eligible to apply and how to apply. If you require further information on any of the investment provided please do not hesitate to contact us on the details provided at the foot of this page.
Partnership Investment
Partnership Investment is a programme which provides both financial and in-kind support to a range of mid to large size culture and sport bodies in the city. Due to the significant level of investment provided, this programme is generally associated with a partnership agreement between Aberdeen City Council and each partner organisation. This agreement details the use and expected outcomes of the investment, establishing a foundation for the required monitoring to be carried out by Aberdeen City Council. This programme is not currently open to application,
Culture and sport bodies who currently receive investment from this programme are:
- Aberdeen International Youth Festival
- Aberdeen Performing Arts
- Aberdeen Sports Village
- Dons in the Community – Aberdeen Football Club
- Garthdee Alpine Sports
- Peacock Visual Arts
- Sport Aberdeen
- Station House Media Unit
- The Belmont Picturehouse
Please click on the link below for further information
Partnership Investment 2008 - 2012
Sports Grants
Aberdeen City Council Sports Grants is a funding programme which is open to any voluntary or not-for-profit organisation or club who deliver sport or physical activity within the city. Grants of up to £10,000 are available. Applications are assessed by a selection panel constructed of officers from various services within Aberdeen City Council. Recommendations are then put forward to the Education, Culture and Sport Committee who are responsible for accepting or rejecting these recommendations.
For information on the grants awarded for this and previous years please click on the below links.
This programme is open for applications throughout the year. For further information and to download an application pack please click below.
Cultural Grants
Aberdeen City Council's Cultural Grants are available in three categories related to the level of grant requested and are open to applications from any voluntary or not for profit organisations or groups who lead the delivery of cultural activity in Aberdeen. Individuals may also apply providing the project is in partnership with a formally structured organisation or group. These categories are:
A – Under £1000
B – Between £1000 and £10,000
C – Over £10,000
Applications are assessed by a selection panel constructed of officers from various services within Aberdeen City Council. Recommendations are then put forward to the Education, Culture and Sport Committee who are responsible for accepting or rejecting these recommendations.
For information on the grants awarded for this and previous years please click on the below links.
This programme is open for applications until the 11th of March 2012. For further information and to download an application pack please click on the below link.
Professional Development Grants
As part of our drive to help the city achieve its vision of becoming a 'Vibrant, Creative and Ambitious City', Aberdeen City Council are piloting a grants programme specifically aimed at supporting the development of those involved in the cultural sector. Whether you are employed, self-employed or a volunteer, you can apply for a grant of up to £500 towards training or activity which will develop your knowledge and skills.
This programme has been approved by the Education, Culture and Sport Committee. A selection panel, constructed of officers from various services within Aberdeen City Council, makes the final decisions on all applications.
From 1st April 2011 through to 31st March 2012 a total of £5,238.50 was awarded in order for individuals to attend various workshops, seminars, conferences and training courses.
Public Art Fund
In order to develop and support the establishment of a Public Art tool-kit and policy for the city, Aberdeen City Council launched a new Public Art Fund in 2011. This fund will run as a pilot in 2011/12 with the aim of increasing the range and quality of Public Art in the city, ensuring that it involves and engages communities throughout the city while profiling the positive role that art plays in the city. The fund will be structured around three principle commissions, one which focuses on the Olympic Games in 2012 and two community commissions.
This programme has been approved by the Education, Culture and Sport Committee. A selection panel, constructed of officers from various services within Aberdeen City Council, makes the final decisions on all applications.
Each commission is now closed. Information on the awards will be available soon.
Visual Artists Awards Scheme and Craft Maker Award: Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City Councils are committed to supporting the work of their resident artists and encouraging innovative professional practice in contemporary arts and crafts. In partnership with Creative Scotland, the local authorities have established two award schemes as a means of assisting individual artists and makers with the immediate costs of researching, creating and presenting new work or advancing skills and ideas. A selection panel consisting of representatives from each partner and Gray's School of Art make final decisions on each application.
Awards up to a maximum of £1,500 are available. Information on previous awards and application dates for 2012 will be available soon.
Contact
Karen McDonald
Culture & Sport Administrator
Education, Culture and Sport
Aberdeen City Council
Business Hub 13
Second Floor North
Marischal College
Broad Street
Aberdeen
AB10 1AB
kamcdonald@aberdeencity.gov.uk