About the Programme
Creative Scotland administers the Scottish Government’s Youth Music Initiative (YMI) programme which in 2016-17 will:
- Create access to high-quality music-making opportunities for young people aged 0-25 years, particularly for those that would not normally have the chance to participate.
- Enable young people to achieve their potential in or through music making.
- Support the development of the youth music sector for the benefit of young people.
Download the YMI Annual Programme Plan for 2016-17.
Stay up to date with the programme by signing up to the YMI mailing list.
There are three routes for supporting youth music projects:
1. School-Based Music-Making
Purpose
To sustain the Scottish Government P6 target – “every school pupil in Scotland should be offered a year of free music tuition by the time they reach Primary 6.”
Who Can Apply
This is a targeted fund for Scotland’s 32 Local Authorities and Jordanhill School. Activity supported through this route will commence at the beginning of the academic year in August 2016. For more information on your local authority’s YMI programme contact your YMI Formula Fund contact (Word document).
2. Access to Music-Making
Purpose
To create access to high-quality music-making opportunities for young people aged 0-25 years outwith school time.
Who Can Apply
Organisations/individuals can apply for funding between £1k – £40k. Targeted funding applications will be invited by Creative Scotland for up to £100k for activity which strategically address the aims of the programme.
Deadlines
The 2016-17 deadlines for applications are:
- 5pm, 30 May 2016
- 5pm, 10 August 2016
- 5pm, 9 November 2016
3. Strengthening Youth Music
Purpose
To support individuals, organisations and networks to undertake strategic action or training that will strengthen the youth music sector in Scotland for the benefit of young people.
Who can apply
Organisations/individuals can apply for funding between £1k – £20k. Targeted funding applications will be invited by Creative Scotland for up to £100k for activity which strategically address the aims of the programme. In addition, we’ve provided funding to the Scottish Music Centre to deliver a Training and CPD Fund providing small grants for individuals and organisations. For more info go to the Scottish Music Centre website.
Deadlines
The 2016-17 deadlines for applications are:
- 5pm, 30 May 2016
- 5pm, 10 August 2016
- 5pm, 9 November 2016
More info
Read the findings from an evaluation of the YMI programme in 2014-15.
Download application form and guidlines here.