£4m fund set aside for Commonwealth Games projects A CASH pot of £4 million has been ringfenced for cultural projects linked to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, it was announced today. £4m has been ringfenced for projects linked to Commonwealth Games in Glasgow Creative Scotland and Glasgow Life have joined forces with Games organisers Organisers of the sporting extravaganza have joined forces with national arts agency Creative Scotland and the city's own cultural body, Glasgow Life, to set up the fund. Artists, organisations and community groups across Scotland will be able to bid for up to £300,000 for a single project. New, one-off or existing festivals and events are able to bid for cash for celebrations planned to build momentum and excitement in the run-up to and during the games. Although the bulk of cultural activity will take place between June and August 2014, some projects in 2013 and early 2014 will be supported. A deadline for applications has been set for 22 February next year. David Grevemberg, chief Executive of Glasgow 2014, said: "We want passion and drama off the field of play - an exciting, ambitious and accessible programme of cultural events - to become a defining feature of how we host the XX Commonwealth Games. Scotland's largest ever sporting and cultural event will be the perfect stage to showcase the creativity of the nation as we take Scotland to the Commonwealth and celebrate Commonwealth cultures on home soil. There will be two separate strands of the cultural programme - Culture 2014 will focus on events across the country in the build-up to the games, and other iconic events like the Ryder Cup and Edinburgh Festival Fringe, while Festival 2014 will specifically support events in Glasgow. Dr Bridget McConnell, chief executive of Glasgow Life, said: "Glasgow has the skills, knowledge and expertise to produce a world-class cultural programme that will showcase the best of our creative talents to the city, nation and Commonwealth. We want Scotland's artists and creative community to be at the heart of the cultural programme and look forward to working with them on what promises to be one of the biggest expressions of our artistic excellence in a generation. Iain Munro, director of creative development at Creative Scotland, said: "Glasgow 2014 provides a unique opportunity for Scotland to reimagine its relationship with the Commonwealth. The eyes of the world will watch as Scotland celebrates the gathering of many nations and people, and the very best of arts and culture. Building on the energy and excitement generated by the London 2012 Festival and Cultural Olympiad, the Glasgow 2014 cultural programme will provide opportunities for the whole nation to take part. Today's announcement is the first step in creating a vibrant programme of world-class culture in celebration of the Commonwealth Games - creating a lasting legacy and unforgettable experiences for all.