We Are Here Scotland, a Community Interest Company dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black People and People of Colour (BPOC) artists and creatives in Scotland, is thrilled to announce the recipients of the inaugural Creators' Fund+. This one-year pilot programme, supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, has selected eight outstanding BPOC creative and cultural professionals based in Scotland to receive £2,000 grants each, along with 20 hours of mentoring from industry professionals.

The Creators' Fund+ awardees, chosen by independent judges Matthew Hickman, Arusa Qureshi, and Tomiwa Folorunso, represent a diverse range of disciplines and backgrounds, showcasing the rich tapestry of talent within Scotland's BPOC creative community.

Among the awardees is Bash Khan, a multitalented filmmaker and visual artist with 17 years of experience, known for his compelling documentaries and large-scale projections in public spaces. Joining him is Fay Guiffo, a French Cameroonian classical violinist, performer, and composer based in Edinburgh, who has performed with prestigious companies and is developing a music and physical theatre show exploring her journey as a mixed-race classical musician.

The visual arts are well represented by Kezia Lewis, a Scottish Jamaican artist and designer whose distinctive collage artworks explore themes of identity and belonging, and Yeonjoo Cho, a Korean-born visual artist and researcher based in Glasgow, whose work challenges the binary categorisation of 'Oriental' and Western painting.

Iffat Ahmad brings her expertise as a cultural henna artist with 10 years of professional experience, blending traditional techniques with contemporary designs. The performing arts sector is further enriched by Salma Francoise Faraji, a dance teacher, lecturer, and artist originally from Tanzania, who is creating a unique performance incorporating choreography with integrated BSL, spoken word, and live music.

The fund also supports innovative projects such as the Melanin Speaking Podcast, which amplifies the diverse voices and experiences of the global majority community, and the multidisciplinary work of Thulani Rachia, a South African artist working in performance, moving image, music composition, and sculpture.

Ica Headlam, founder and director of We Are Here Scotland, expressed his excitement about the Creators' Fund+ awardees:

“I am inspired by the exceptional talent represented in this year's Creators' Fund+ recipients. The diversity of their artistic practices and the innovation in their work exemplify the rich creativity within Scotland's BPOC community. I'm particularly excited to see how these gifted individuals will progress with their projects under the guidance of experienced mentors. This combination of financial support and professional mentorship is crucial in nurturing diverse voices and addressing underrepresentation in Scotland's creative industries. I can’t wait to see the transformative impact this initiative will have, not only on the careers of these remarkable artists but also on the broader cultural landscape of Scotland."

Creative Scotland’s Jackie Stewart said: “The Creators' Fund+ exemplifies our commitment to nurturing diverse talent in Scotland's creative landscape. These eight exceptional awardees highlight the rich array of BPOC creativity that enriches our cultural fabric. By providing both financial support and mentorship, we're investing in the future of Scotland's creative industries and ensuring that a wider range of voices are heard and celebrated. This initiative is a crucial step towards a more inclusive and dynamic creative & cultural scene that truly reflects the diversity of modern Scotland.”

The Creators' Fund+ awardees will receive their funding and will benefit from mentorship throughout the programme. A Creators' Showcase is planned for November 2024 to highlight the participants' work, featuring performances, exhibitions, and live events.

For more information about the Creators' Fund+ and We Are Here Scotland, please visit: https://www.weareherescotland.com/creators-fund-plus

About Creative Scotland:
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports culture and creativity across all parts of Scotland, distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Further information at creativescotland.com. Follow us on X, Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about the value of art and creativity in Scotland and join in at www.ourcreativevoice.scot

For full information on our awardees please visit the awardees page.