Scotland’s Winter Festivals aim to mobilise the people of Scotland and those with an affinity to Scotland to join in the St Andrew’s Day, Hogmanay and Burns celebrations, boosting Scotland’s key tourism and events sectors and the wider economy, enhancing community engagement and raising Scotland’s international profile.
Our diverse ethnic and cultural minority communities are key elements of Scotland’s past, present and future so we want to ensure that your story, history, and narrative plays a full part in Scotland’s Winter Festivals.
The 2020/21 SWF programme will be a bit different to previous years due to the extraordinary events of this year.
For St Andrew’s Day 2020, we are encouraging local community groups to come together and celebrate Scotland’s national day by performing an act of kindness in their community – something that celebrates and promotes inclusion, diversity, and togetherness.
- Monday 30th November 2020 – St Andrew’s Day. Proposed activities can take place from 28th November to 30th November.
How much funding is available?
Constituted, charitable and non-profit organisations or community groups can apply for grants of up to £1,000 to perform an appropriate act of kindness around St Andrew’s Day.
It is very important that in your budget response in the application form you outline clearly what each cost is related to. We expect that this programme will be over-subscribed, and we will need to prioritise what we can fund for each project.
What is an Act of Kindness?
An act of kindness is something your group can do to help, support, or reward others in your community, either because they are in need, or they themselves have been helping others. For example, groups who have been badly affected by the lockdown and restrictions, or those who have been putting themselves at risk in order to help others in this time of crisis.
Such acts should observe the spirit of St Andrew’s Day and celebrate community collaboration, diversity and inclusiveness.
These Acts of Kindness could be directed from communities to their local health service, their broader community or isolated community members. An Act of Kindness can be the provision of food, art and crafts materials, recorded video messages, online events, or other creative ways of sharing between each other in these difficult times.
Please note however that all proposed activities must comply with all Scottish Government COVID-19 rules and guidance.
We have the opportunity to celebrate St Andrew’s Day in Scotland using diverse cultural characteristics. Scotland’s diversity is rich and we want to showcase you and your community as part of this dynamic living culture.
How to apply
Read the full Guidelines document, then complete the application form, and return it to festivals@bemis.org.uk
The deadline for applications is Monday 23rd November
