Manipulate Arts is proud to open two seed funding opportunities designed to support Scotland’s visual theatre and animation sectors. These programmes continue our long‑term commitment to nurturing ambitious, risk‑taking work and strengthening the creative ecology around us.
Creative Fund: Supporting Visually‑Led Performance
The Creative Fund returns this year, offering support for four projects, each receiving up to £5,000, rehearsal space and tailored mentorship. The fund is open to artists developing new visually‑led performance, puppetry or object theatre at an early stage of their process.
We are also deepening our partnership with Vanishing Point, whose producing expertise will be embedded directly into the programme. Their involvement strengthens the developmental pathway for artists, offering high‑quality support at a pivotal moment in the creation of new work. This collaboration reflects our shared investment in experimentation, sector growth and the next generation of boundary‑pushing makers.
New Animation Research & Development Fund
We are equally excited to launch our brand new Animation Research & Development Fund. Through this programme, we will award four £2,000 bursaries, alongside mentorship and a supported development period, to Scotland‑based animators exploring new ideas, techniques or approaches.
This new fund creates vital space for early‑stage research, a phase often under‑resourced but essential for innovation. By supporting animators to test ideas, develop skills and build the foundations of future projects, we aim to strengthen Scotland’s animation landscape and encourage bold, exploratory work.
Investing in a Thriving Creative Sector
Both opportunities reflect our belief that sustained, hands‑on support is essential for a thriving visual performance and animation sectors. A place where artists can take risks, develop their craft and connect with national and international partners. These funds form a key part of our mission to champion the development of new work and to ensure Scotland remains a vibrant home for visual theatre and animation.
Full details and application information for both opportunities are available on the artist pages of our website.
These funds are supported by Creative Scotland’s Multi‑Year Funding Programme.