Scotland's Themed Years Funding

What you need to know

Scotland’s Themed Years have been running since 2009 as a way to celebrate a particular side to Scotland that deserves recognition. Some past examples of our celebratory years include the Year of Young People 2018, the Year of History Heritage and Archaeology 2017 and the Year of Innovation Architecture and Design 2016. Following an industry consultation in 2016, Themed Years now take place biennially. In 2020 we are celebrating the Year of Scotland’s Coasts and Waters, and in light of the impact of COVID-19 this Themed Year will be extended across 2021. The next Themed Year in plan will be Scotland’s Year of Stories in 2022.

Developing a strong events programme is a key part of delivering a successful Themed Year and each one is supported through a bespoke open events funding programme. The events funding opportunity is available ahead of each Themed Year for events and festival organisers who wish to create unique one-off events or new programming strands that will celebrate the themes of the year.

Deadline for application

Not currently accepting applications

The deadline for Year of Coasts and Waters events funding applications was 7 June 2019. Please sign-up to our e-newsletter below to ensure you are kept up to date with announcements on future Themed Years funding opportunities. In the meantime, why not check out the Year of Coasts and Waters toolkit at the bottom of this page to see how you can align with the current Themed Year across 2020/21.

Your industry contact

Please note that the events funding for Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters is now fully allocated. If you would like further information and updates or to enquire about applying for events-specific funding support for future Themed Years funding, please contact our Themed Years and Special Projects Events Manager, Breige Swift.