Shetland Arts Commissioning Fund FAQs
Following our information session last week, we have gathered a list of questions asked that may be helpful to others planning to apply for the Shetland Arts Commissioning Fund.
In September this year, we announced that we have created 6 commissioning opportunities for the next year (2025/26).
Call outs for the Shetland Arts Commissioning Fund 25/26 have been broken down into different titles and split into two groups for applications at different points in the year:
- Group 1 (open now): Soar, Participate & Generator
- Group 2 (open soon): Catalyst, Boost & Playwrights’ Bursary
Find out more about the Shetland Arts Commissioning fund.
Below is a list of questions raised at our most recent information session. Due to popular demand, we will also be holding an online information session next week, if you would like to find out any further information not already detailed (see bottom of page).
FAQs
Q: I fall into 2 commission categories - how do I know which one to go for?
Have a look at the scale of your project and what is realistic and achievable within each one. Think about which one feels right for you.
You can also apply for both the December deadline and the May deadline, although we would encourage you not to, and to create an application that best fits one of the commissioning categories. An application that is too general across several different strands, may score less with the panel.
Q: How many commissions can I apply for?
We would encourage you to apply for only one strand of the commissions as it is highly unlikely you will get selected for more than one. We are expecting a high level of applications.
Q: I have a project in mind using Shetland Arts facilities - do I need to include these in my application?
Yes, please state this in the application. There is a section of the application form that specifically asks for this information, as we need to know how much support you require from us at the time of making our funding decisions, to ensure that we have capacity to do this in delivery.
Q: I have music ready to be made into an album - can I apply for advertising/business funding?
No, the fund is for creative commissions, not business ventures. If you’re looking for business support, you could explore options such as Business Gateway.
However, if your project were to include a performance or participation element (e.g. a live event, workshop, or collaborative creative process), then it may be eligible under the commissioning fund. Please explore that aspect further in your application if this is something you desire to do.
If this is not something you desire, we wouldn’t recommend trying amend your idea to fit the commission criteria – stick to your goal and find other funding that is available to support this.
Q: Will the commissions be open for applications next year (2026/27) if I am not ready for the deadline this time around?
Yes, this is a three-year commissioning programme so there will be more opportunities to apply in future rounds.
Q: Is there a window for these projects to be delivered in?
Ideally, projects should be completed within 12 months. However, if you need more time, please explain why in your application – we can be flexible where it makes sense to do so. We aim for applications to be delivered within the 1-year time period due to Artist Meet-ups and Project Manager capacity.
We will be getting a new cohort of Commissioned Artists for the next year.
Q: If my project requires the SADA tech support, can I get a quote for this to include in our application?
No – we are here to support you once you have received the commissions, just note in your application that you will need support in the “in-kind” section. Please clearly outline what tech support you envisage yourself needing (although we are aware this may change during project delivery).
Q: I practice photography but do not have full technical skills yet, what should I apply for?
We would encourage you to apply for Catalyst (Training and Development) to further your skills.
Q: When will I find out if I'm successful?
All applicants will be made aware of the outcome before Christmas.
Q: When will I receive payment for the December commissioning funds, if successful?
By the end of the financial year, although this may be sooner depending on paperwork.
We will begin the process of getting you paid as soon as you are successful in the project.
Q: Can I apply for funding if I do not have the equipment for my project?
Yes, if it is part of your project. Explain how it benefits your commission in the application.
Q: If I plan to work with other artists, is there a living wage or freelancer wage I should use as a base for the application?
Shetland Arts uses Real Living Wage, but out with that, it is for you to organise and negotiate. Please let us know why you are paying people the way you are.
There are multiple different guidance resources online that can help you with this.
Q: Is the overall pot for the Generator fund £10,000? Or is it a larger pot, but projects will only be awarded a maximum of £10,000?
Applicants can apply for a maximum of £10,000, so anything up to that is acceptable for the application.
We have a pot of money assigned with the idea of how many we would support in each strand, but it can ebb and flow depending on the applications we get in, so we are not stating a specific number for each commission strand.
Online Information Session
Our Creative Project Manager, Kathryn Gordon, will lead this information session, talking in more detail about the application process and each commissioning type. Interested artists can come join to learn more about the funds and ask any questions.
- Date: Thursday 20 November
- Time: 1pm – 2pm
- Location: Online (you will receive a link to access the meeting within at least 24 hours of the session start time)
This session is free, but booking is required to secure your space. Suitable for ages 16+.
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