Year of Innovation, Architecture & Design 2016
Events Programme Fund - Guidance Notes
Deadline: Friday 24 July 2015
For events: 1 January – 31 December 2016
Initial Enquiries: 0131 471 2161 / information@eventscotland.org
1. Introduction
2016 has been designated as a year in which Scotland’s achievements in Innovation, Architecture
and Design will be showcased and celebrated with a programme of activity aimed at supporting and
driving the nation’s tourism and events sector. The approach includes spotlighting existing activity
and helping to create new activity designed to meet the aims and objectives of the year.
Themed years are designed to give Scottish tourism an edge, galvanise partners and create a strong
collaborative platform to promote Scotland and its valuable attributes. A Steering Group including
representation from Architecture + Design Scotland, Historic Scotland, The National Trust for
Scotland, Scottish Government, Creative Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands
Enterprise, Scottish Tourism Alliance, and VisitScotland has been formed to take the lead.
2016 is already shaping up to be an exciting year. The Festival of Architecture led and directed by
The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland will connect Scottish communities and visitors with
our architecture through events and exhibitions, Scotland-wide; The National Museum of Scotland
turns 150 years old and will open ten new galleries showcasing Scotland’s internationally important
collections of decorative art, design, fashion, science and technology; NVA’s plan to partially restore
modernist masterpiece St Peter’s Seminary; the creation of the new V&A Museum of Design Dundee
will gain pace; and the new Queensferry Crossing - set to be the longest three-tower, cable-stayed
bridge in the world - will officially open.
From textiles to technology, architecture to fashion and design, the year-long programme will shine
the spotlight on our greatest assets and icons, as well as our hidden gems.
2. The Year of Innovation, Architecture & Design 2016 Aim and Objectives:
Overarching Aim: the Year of Innovation, Architecture & Design (YIAD) will sustain and build upon
the momentum generated by Homecoming Scotland 2014 and preceding themed years to spotlight,
celebrate and promote Scotland’s rich and vibrant attributes in relation to innovation, architecture
and design to the people of Scotland and our visitors.
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Objectives:
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Promotion – raise the profile of Scotland nationally and internationally, showcasing our
distinctive contributions to innovation, architecture and design with a co-ordinated marketing
and communications programme
Celebration – encourage and develop opportunities for the celebration of the key themes of the
year within the tourism and events sectors
Participation – inspire the people of Scotland and our visitors to participate in activity developed
for and in response to YIAD, with particular emphasis on attracting new audiences
Collaboration – encourage collaborative working between the sectors represented by the year’s
themes and tourism sectors
Business Engagement – communicate with a wide range of businesses in tourism and other
relevant sectors in order to help them recognise the opportunities presented by the Year of
Innovation, Architecture & Design and capitalise on those opportunities by developing new
products and services and growing existing business
3. 2016 Themed Events Programme Objectives
Events supported by the 2016 Themed Events Programme will:
 Increase awareness and provide opportunities to promote and celebrate Scotland’s
achievements in innovation, architecture and design
 Create or expand opportunities for residents and visitors to participate and engage with
activity that recognises and celebrates innovation, architecture and design
 Enhance the existing programme of events and activity showcasing innovation, architecture
and design in 2016
 Provide an opportunity for the events and festivals sector to embrace and contribute to the
year, encouraging collaborative working between sectors
The 2016 Themed Events Programme provides the opportunity for event organisers to access
between £4,000 and £20,000 to enhance existing, or create new event activity, reflecting the
themes and supporting the objectives of the year. A total fund of £200,000 has been made
available.
Applications will be assessed on their demonstrated ability to reflect the above stated
objectives, and against the eligibility and evaluation criteria outlined below:
4. Eligibility Criteria
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Events must take place in Scotland in 2016 and be accessible to the public
Applications must be made by a formally constituted organisation
Funding will not be provided for core or capital purchase costs
Applications will be accepted from both new and enhanced existing events
Existing events need to demonstrate that they have the capacity to further develop and
grow in terms of audience/spectator/participant numbers in 2016
Awards cannot offer replacement funding or fill budget gaps created by the withdrawal of
another funder
It is not intended that an award from this fund will provide the majority of funding for any
supported event. Applicants are required to secure additional event funding from alternative
sources
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The level of award applied for should be supported by a clear business case that justifies the
request
If your event is currently supported via another EventScotland funding programme for 2016
you will not be eligible to apply to this fund. However, you should discuss with your event
manager how to maximise the opportunity that the themed year presents.
The Festival of Architecture is a key element of the year and will be separately funded. It is
managed by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland. Any event funded directly by
the Festival of Architecture will not be eligible for funding through this route.
5. Evaluation Criteria
Relevance and Fit
 Strength of event concept and relevance to at least one of the identified themes of the year:
innovation, architecture or design
 The programme will embrace a wide range of activity and content aligned to the themes,
however prioritisation will be given to activity that is most likely to drive national and
international profile and tourism impact
 Applicants should also note that as 2017 will be the Year of History, Heritage and
Archaeology emphasis may be given to more contemporary themes in 2016 but not to the
exclusion of our rich heritage
 Given the scope of the Festival of Architecture programme, prioritisation may be given to
applications that celebrate design and/or innovation
 How the event fits within the overall programme of activity and helps achieve a good
balance across the three themes
 It is aimed to support a wide geographic spread of events taking place throughout 2016
Viability
 Level of event management and delivery experience of the organising group
 Applications must demonstrate a viable budget showing additional income from alternative
sources
 Proposed use of funds within the overall event budget – i.e. the difference it will make
 Degree of local support and the anticipated local benefits
Impacts
 Potential of event to promote the 2016 themes to a wide audience through effective
marketing
 Potential of event to generate print and broadcast media focus on themes
 Potential of event to drive social media engagement
 Potential of event to extend participation and engagement in themes
 Potential to enhance domestic and international tourism/attendances
 Event demonstrates a strong fit for the host region, aligning with local event strategies,
celebrating local strengths and stories
 Potential to engage local communities and encourage participation
 The ongoing sustainability of the event and its environmental impact
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6. Application Process:
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Potential applicants must contact EventScotland on 0131 472 2161/
information@eventscotland.org to discuss their proposal in advance of preparing an
application.
Once applicants have discussed their proposal with EventScotland and are eligible to apply,
they should complete the application form available at www.eventscotland.org/funding
Applications must be submitted to EventScotland by 5pm on 24th July 2015
Applications will be assessed by EventScotland and recommendations brought to a panel
including representatives from the Steering Group for decision
Applicants will be advised of the status of their application in September 2015
Successful applicants will be required to sign a formal funding agreement, agree relevant
performance indicators, provide acknowledgement of the Year of Innovation, Architecture &
Design in all event materials, undertake appropriate visitor research and complete a Post Event
Report.
Funding will be paid in instalments against an agreed payment schedule. The final payment will
be made after the event and following the organiser’s submission of the post event report.
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