Arts and culture organisations in England and Scotland looking to explore opportunities presented by digital technologies can now apply for financial support through two new funds. Following a pilot project in 2011, a £7m Digital Research and Development Fund for the arts is being launched jointly by Arts Council England, Nesta and the Arts and Humanities Research Council. Over £400,000 is also being made available through Make:IT:Happen, a new fund from digital development programme AmbITion Scotland, supported by Creative Scotland. England’s Digital R&D fund will award three-year grants to projects using digital technology to “enhance arts audience reach and/or explore new business models”. Make:IT:Happen grants of £500 to £10,000 are available through four digital investment strands – AmbITion Approach, Digital Content Development, Organisation Development and Sustainable AmbITion – to help organisations “grow business capability, capacity, creativity and confidence” by using digital technologies. Applications are open for both funds.
