SMALL PROGRAMME GRANTS

SECURE FUNDING SUPPORT FOR YOUR CULTURE NIGHT STIRLING EVENT

Culture Night Logo with a moon in white centred in a place pin shape with a horizontal base also in white with a transparent circular centre that has two triangular points pointing at the moon shape inwardly at 2 and 7 o'clock. The Moon is crescent.

Culture Night Stirling 2026

Carnival of the Wolf

We WANT TO SPARK YOUR IMAGINATION FOR CULTURE NIGHT STIRLING 2026

CARNIVAL OF THE WOLF

There is a small programme grant available for supporting unusual and distinctive locally sourced creative activities and performances on Friday 1st May 2026 across the Stirlingshire area. Here you can find out all about the application process, complete a form and find creatives and artists to collaborate with on the Stirling Creative Directory. Click on the buttons below or scroll further. Any questions? Drop us an email at hello@scenestirling.com

Before Applying

Download Applicant Guidelines
Submit An Event Idea (if you need Advice)
Sign up or Visit the Creative Directory (To list or find artists and creatives)

Make an Application

Stage 1: Online Application Form
Download PDF of Stage 1: Application Form

For Selected Applications

Stage 2: Grantee Project Information Form
Download PDF of Stage 2: Grantee Project Info Form

End of Project Reporting

Stage 3: End of Projects Reporting Form (not yet live)
Download PDF of Stage 3: End of Projects Reporting Guidance

Event Timing and Locations

  • An opening event will start at Stirling Castle from around 4pm, spreading across the town and wider Stirling area over the evening.

  • Funded activities can take place from 5pm onwards.

Funding Scope

Grants can support:

  • Artist fees (including professional/union rates, fair pay, Scottish Real Living Wage)

  • Event costs (materials, equipment, marketing, venue hire)

  • Access costs (transport, accessibility adjustments, inclusive facilities)

Collaboration and Support

  • Applicants with an idea but no specific artist can:

    • Use the Creative Directory on the Scene Stirling website to find collaborators.

    • Present their idea to Scene Stirling for support with callouts or artist matching.

  • Artists or creative groups can:

    • Partner with venues or present ideas to be hosted locally.

  • Informal discussions before applying are encouraged to help partnerships, ensure feasibility, and maximise inclusion and impact.

Who Can Apply?

  • Community groups and voluntary organisations, including village halls and community hubs

  • Cultural and heritage organisations and venues

  • Small businesses working in partnership with artists or community groups (we can help support collaborations and introductions to creatives)

  • Artists and Creatives in collaboration with a lead venue/host/organisation. 

APPLICANT GUIDELINES

Introduction

Culture Night Stirling is a brand-new annual celebration of creativity, launching on Friday 1 May 2026. It will take place across Stirling’s urban and rural spaces, celebrating our uniqueness and diversity of culture – from streets and landmarks to community halls and hidden corners.

  • WHEN? Annual event, starting in 2026 with Carnival of the Wolf, the first in a three-year cycle of legendary themes.

  • WHERE? Across Stirling’s city, towns, and villages.

  • WHO? Culture Night is for everyone, bringing people together through music, art, crafts, literature, dance, drama, comedy, food, digital media and more.

  • WHY? To connect communities and sectors – arts, heritage, education, hospitality, tourism, health, business – enhancing Stirling’s night-time offer and creating new opportunities for cultural experiences.

What We Can Fund

  • Creative events in any art form including: theatre, music, dance, comedy, film, poetry and literature, visual arts and crafts.

  • This can take the form of performances, installations, pop-ups, workshops, and events for Culture Night Stirling

  • Eligible costs include artist fees, materials, equipment hire, marketing (there will be coordinated overall programme marketing), insurance, volunteer expenses, and accessibility support

What We Cannot Fund

  • Projects that have no creative output on Culture Night Stirling – 1st May 2026

  • Projects that redistribute funds as grants or donations

  • Regular running costs (utilities, staff salaries, ongoing costs)

  • Projects that could be delivered from existing resources

  • Retrospective costs (already committed or spent)

  • Projects that only benefit an individual

  • Activities promoting religious or political beliefs

  • Fireworks

How Applications Are Assessed

Applications will be assessed against:

1. Fit with Culture Night priorities

a) Enhancing the night time economy,

b) Widening opportunities and experiences of culture

c) Increasing access and inclusivity of culture

2. Community benefit – What positive impact would this activity have in your community or local economy?

3. Feasibility and value for money – Have you demonstrated you can deliver this, to budget? Share any in-kind or other financial contributions so we can understand the full costs and investment in the programme, and celebrate this. This could include volunteer contributions.

4. Creativity and ambition – what’s is unique and distinctive about your idea or collaboration?

What Happens Next

1. You’ll receive confirmation when your Stage 1: Application Form is received. A panel of Culture Night partners, Scene Stirling, and Stirling Council will review applications.

2. If successful, you’ll be asked to complete the Stage 2: Grantee Information Form in order to receive a grant offer letter with terms and conditions. Payment is made by bank transfer (normally within 10 working days) upon signing. You can update us on any developments of your idea at this stage too.

If unsuccessful, you’ll receive feedback and can re-apply in the next round (subject to availability of funds). If you are unsuccessful you can still submit an event without funding support.

Monitoring & Feedback

1. All grants must be allocated by 31st March and evidence spending by 31st May 2026.

2. A short monitoring and evaluation form must be completed, reporting on:

    • How funds were spent

    • Participation and audience numbers

    • Impact and outcomes

    • Photos, quotes, or stories to showcase the event

 Need Help?

If you’re unsure or need support with your application, contact us:
📧 hello@scenestirling.com
☎️ 01786 450971 (voicemail)

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Culture Night Stirling 2026 – Small Programme Grant Scheme 

Additional Terms & Conditions

Applicants must also agree to the following:

  1. Branding & Communications

    • All funded events must use the Culture Night Stirling logo and follow the official toolkit and guidelines.

    • All promotional or press materials should acknowledge the support of Culture Night Stirling.

  2. Access & Free Offer

    • All events must be free to attend. Any ticketed activity must include a clearly defined free offer linked to the grant.

    • Applicants must outline any practical barriers, transport issues, or accessibility considerations, e.g.:

      • Public transport timings for audience access

      • Physical accessibility of the venue, entrances, seating, or pathways

      • Access to facilities such as accessible toilets, parking, or changing spaces

      • Any other measures to make the event inclusive

    • This information will support the Culture Night team in coordinating timings, locations, and access across the programme.

  3. Fair Pay & Conditions

    • Artists, musicians, and creative professionals must be paid at least professional rates (e.g. Artists’ Union, Musicians’ Union).

    • All staff and freelance contractors must receive at least the Scottish Real Living Wage.

    • Volunteer roles must be advertised via the Stirlingshire Voluntary Enterprise portal or University of Stirling volunteering platforms.

  4. Programming Priorities

    • Priority will be given to unique or unexpected creative events in unique or unexpected places.

    • For 2026, applicants are encouraged to consider the Carnival of the Wolf theme:

      • Theme is open, flexible, and interpretive

      • Can be reflected literally, symbolically, metaphorically, or playfully

    • Projects should demonstrate a clear benefit to artists living, working, or connected to Stirling.

  5. Collaboration & Coordination

    • Applicants must work with the Culture Night team to:

      • Avoid timing and location clashes

      • Ensure audiences can move between sites

      • Group venues or routes where needed for accessibility and flow

    • Projects must be open to collaborative scheduling within the curated programme hours.

  6. Delivery & Reporting

    • Projects must be delivered as part of Culture Night Stirling on 1 May 2026.

    • Monitoring and evaluation reporting must be completed after the event.

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