Shetland Arts Commissioning Fund: Group 2 FAQS

Yes. You can apply to deliver workshops as part of your Catalyst proposal. For example, previous successful applicants have used their funding for training that was then brought back to Shetland and shared through workshops or performances, such as Story Slam workshops leading to a performance at Mareel and Singing Mamas training followed by community taster sessions.

If this is what you are planning to deliver, think about how your work will engage and benefit the wider community. You should also explain how the workshops would be delivered and funded, for example whether you are asking Shetland Arts to support this in-kind, or if you plan to work with community groups/halls.

Explain how the training or development opportunity will benefit you at this stage of your career, and why it is important for your artistic development right now. Be clear about what you hope to gain from it, and how it will support your practice going forward.  

You should also outline why you need the funding in order to access the opportunity and what difference it will make to your skills, confidence, or future work.

Yes, travel and accommodation can be included. Just keep in mind that these costs can quickly use up your budget, as the maximum award for Catalyst is £3,000.

It can be a longer-term training opportunity. If you are applying for something over an extended period, make sure you clearly account for your time in your application – either as in-kind support or by explaining how you will fund your time.

You should also explain how you will support yourself during the training period, as longer-term activity may not align with the group artist meet-ups.

Yes, that is okay that your training will fall into 2027. Just make sure this is clearly explained in your application so the timeline for your activity is understood.

We would strongly advise that you apply for the full amount you need to complete the training as intended. Scalable proposals can be unclear and may make it harder for the panel to assess your application.

If you need 5 days of the training, ask for 5 days. If the total amount will only allow for 3 of 5 days, please explain to us how you will still benefit from this percentage of the course.

The product can be for a local audience, tourist-focused or both. Be clear in your application about who your target audience is. 

We are looking for new ideas and approaches, something that shows you working in a different way. Your product should feel fresh and be something you believe a customer would want to buy. 

No, there is no specific genre requirement for the bursary.

Yes. If you are applying with a community group, please make this clear in your application.

If you are working with professional actors/actresses or other paid collaborators, you will need to explain how you plan to pay for their time. However, you do not need to work with others as part of this bursary. 

Absolutely not. This bursary focusses on the development of you as a playwriter, giving you time and money to explore ideas with the mentorship of Louise Stephens.

If you do want to present an outcome, please ensure you include this in your application, but there is no pressure to and it will not influence the decision of your application.

If you do intend to share something in Mareel, please make sure you state what in-kind costs you require for this (e.g. use of auditorium, box office, technical and marketing support) so that we can understand if we can accommodate it.