Aberdeen-based not-for-profit organisations, community groups, and festival and event organisers will be able to apply for between £5,000 and £15,000 through the next round of Catalyst Funding.
Part of Aberdeen City Council’s Culture Investment Programme, the fund will support high-quality creative and cultural activity for the benefit of Aberdeen residents. The round opens on Friday 2 October 2026 and is for activity taking place from April 2027 onwards.
Applicants must not currently be in receipt of any other Culture Investment and funding is subject to Council approval through the 2027/28 budget process and completion of the required checks and grant agreement.
Julie Wood, Chief Officer, City Development and Regeneration, said: “Aberdeen has a wealth of creative talent and community ambition. The Catalyst Fund gives organisations the opportunity to turn strong ideas into high-quality projects that reach people across the city. We want to encourage new activity, collaboration and projects that reflect Aberdeen’s diverse communities, while creating more opportunities for people to take part in and enjoy culture.”
The funding can support:
New, one-off, large-scale and ambitious not-for-profit cultural projects in Aberdeen.
Testing new activity, including activity that forms part of a recurring event such as an annual festival.
Work that encourages and retains Aberdeen-based artists, producers, promoters and creative partners to deliver ambitious programmes.
Pilot projects and new collaborations.
Activity that reflects Aberdeen’s creative and cultural diversity, including work by, with or for people with protected characteristics or people living in the city’s most disadvantaged areas.
The deadline for applications is Monday 9 November 2026 at 12 noon. Application guidance and forms will be available from the Culture Investment Programme 2026 webpage when the fund opens.
A free online information session will take place on Tuesday 13 October 2026 at 5.30pm. The session will explain the funding opportunity, eligibility requirements and application process, with time for questions.
Book a free place through Eventbrite.
Individual advice sessions can be arranged in person, by Microsoft Teams or by telephone. To request a session, email creativefunding@aberdeencity.gov.uk.
The Culture Investment Programme replaced Aberdeen City Council’s previous arts and culture grant schemes in 2025. It supports activity ranging from programmes delivered by major cultural organisations and venues to smaller projects led by local artists and groups.
Since its launch, the programme has awarded more than £2.6 million to 35 organisations and 19 individual artists, supporting high-quality cultural activity and opportunities for Aberdeen residents.