Parallel x SCAN BIPOC Micro-Grants
Closing date 17 August 2026
Parallel is a project seeking to facilitate ideas and connections with and between BIPOC arts workers, through small out-of-workplace encounters and relaxed shared spaces.
The Parallel x SCAN micro-grants are for Black and global majority artists and arts workers in Scotland who would benefit from support to sustain, develop or reconnect with their practice.
8 micro-grants of £600 are available and intended in the spirit of simplicity to support a small amount of time, space, connection, or tangibly addressing one current challenge – something you need right now.
This could include:
- Responding to a period of difficulty, change, burnout or limited opportunity
- Creating time and space to return to your practice
- Research, experimentation of an existing or new idea
- Attending a workshop, class, or course relevant to your practice
- Materials, equipment or studio costs
- Engaging in mentoring, advice or dramaturgical support
- Travel, access or other costs that help you participate in your practice
Alongside the micro-grant, successful applicants will be invited to take part in an optional group session with Parallel co-ordinators ID.Y CIC and SCAN. The session may include conversation and support around sustaining a practice, navigating challenges, identifying next steps and developing applications.
There is no expectation that applicants take part in the additional support in order to receive the grant.
Eligibility
Applications are open to people who:
- Identify as Black and/or global majority.
- Be based in Scotland.
- Be working in contemporary arts.
- Be working on a freelance or self-employed basis (for example, as an artist, curator, producer, writer, educator or other arts worker).
- Be at any stage of your career.
- Have had limited access to funding or other resources to support your creative practice.
Please note that activity must take place between 1 September and 31 December 2026.
How to apply
To apply for a micro-grant, please fill in this short application form. If you have any questions about the micro-grants or your application, please contact SCAN Director Veronique AA Lapeyre at [email protected].
Deadline
5pm, Monday 17 August 2026
About the Partners
These micro-grants are delivered through a partnership between Parallel and SCAN.
Parallel is an informal peer network for Black and global majority artists and arts workers in Scotland co-ordinated by ID.Y CIC. Through occasional gatherings, it creates space for connection, conversation, mutual support and reflection on the experiences of working within and alongside cultural institutions.
Scottish Contemporary Art Network (SCAN) is the national network for Scotland’s contemporary art sector. The programme has been made possible through a Tiny Changes grant.