Organizer Information
The Four Nations International Fund (FNIF) is a UK-wide initiative designed to foster international collaboration for artists, creative practitioners, and organisations across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Administered by Creative Scotland on behalf of its partners—Arts Council England, Arts Council Northern Ireland, and Arts Council Wales/Wales Arts International—the fund supports projects that promote cross-national cooperation, international partnerships, and inclusive, sustainable, and innovative cultural practices. FNIF aims to mitigate global challenges such as rising costs, climate concerns, and post-pandemic recovery by enabling UK-based artists to develop international networks, co-create, and exchange knowledge and practice across borders.
Title & Description
Four Nations International Fund 2026 – UK-Based Artists & Organisation International Collaboration Grants
The Four Nations International Fund 2026 supports UK-based artists and creative organisations to engage in international collaboration and exchange. The program provides funding to enable creative practitioners to work with partners across the four UK nations and with international partners on innovative projects. Eligible activities include residencies, co-creation, exchanges, partnership development, and networking, both in-person and digitally. The fund prioritises projects that explore inclusivity, climate responsibility, and collaboration with displaced or conflict-affected cultural practitioners. With a maximum
grant of £7,500 per project, FNIF aims to strengthen professional networks, artistic practice, and cultural impact.
Categories
- Multi-disciplinary Arts
- Literature
- Music
- Theatre
- Dance
- Visual Arts (including artist moving image)
- Craft
- Creative Learning
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be 18 or older and based in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales
- Hold a UK bank account
- Be an individual creative practitioner or an arts/creative organisation
- Collaborate with at least one UK partner from another nation and one international partner
- Not primarily operate in museums, schools, or the screen industry
Priority is given to:
- Individual practitioners
- Organisations without regular funding from Arts Council England, Arts Council Wales, or Creative Scotland
- Partnerships that clearly demonstrate added value
Program Benefits & Awards
- Funding of up to £7,500 per project
- Support for project activities between 1 May 2026 and 31 March 2027
- Eligible costs include: travel, accommodation, per diems, digital collaboration, studio/venue hire, marketing, translation, and project access costs
- Guidance on fair pay and industry-standard rates for all personnel
- Professional support for access and inclusion requirements
- Opportunity to enhance international profile, develop artistic practice, and foster long-term collaborations
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Completed online application via Creative Scotland Funding Management System
- Project summary (approx. 250 words) describing artforms, partners, location, and format (in-person, digital, or hybrid)
- CV for individuals or statement of practice for organisations (approx. 600 words)
- Supporting documents from UK and international partners confirming commitment
- Timeline and detailed budget (Word/PDF and Excel formats recommended)
- Safeguarding plan if engaging with children, young people, or protected adults
- Evidence of prior experience, innovation, and the potential impact of the collaboration
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 25 February 2026
- Decision Notification: 22 April 2026
- Project Start Date: From 1 May 2026
- Project Completion: By 31 March 2027
Location
UK-wide (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales)
Additional Details
- Maximum awards: Approximately 40–50 projects funded per round
- Funding restrictions: Cannot support formal residencies offered through open calls, continuation of existing projects without new elements, or projects primarily outside the arts and creative industries
- Safeguarding: Applicants must provide tailored safeguarding policies for engagement with children, young people, or protected adults
- Legal & Compliance: Grants are subject to Scots law, UK subsidy control rules, and Creative Scotland’s funding terms
- Post-Project Reporting: End-of-Project Monitoring Report due within 30 days of project completion
- Support & Enquiries: enquiries@creativescotland.com
