A new small grants scheme, designed to help the professional development of makers living or based in Fife, has been launched. 

Career oriented makers working in all craft media are eligible to apply.

The scheme has been made possible by the coming together of a range of creative partners. Funding support comes from the Scottish Arts Council, Fife Council and Creativefife with organisational input from the new ATTFife (Art and Theatres Trust Fife) and Fife Contemporary Art & Craft (FCA&C).

Grants are available to help develop skills, products, markets or do something new such as a collaborative project or piece of research.  Most grants will be between £3-500 but for exceptional projects up to two awards of up to £1,000 can be made. Applicants can discuss a possible application in advance and get advice from Fife Contemporary Art & Craft. Professional makers will be represented on the panel assessing applications as well as representatives of ATTFife, Creativefife and FCA&C. Quality of applicants work and the extent to which the grant could help their work develop will be key in deciding who are awarded grants.

There are two rounds of applications planned with deadlines of Friday 14 December 2007 and Friday 7 March 2008.

Further information can be found in a leaflet which can be downloaded along with an application form at www.fcac.co.uk or phone 01334 474610.