Latest news
Graeae Theatre
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13 July 2026Applying for Youth-Led Creativity funding
We're pleased to share the guidance for applying to the Youth-Led Creativity Fund. Co-designed with Esmée's Involving Young People Collective, we expect to make 12 to 16 grants, totalling £2m, over 2026 and 2027, and will be focusing our support on organisations based in and working in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.
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Dame Caroline Mason to step down as Chief Executive of Esmée Fairbairn Foundation
After 13 years leading the Foundation as our Chief Executive, Dame Caroline Mason will be stepping down from her role in early 2027. Caroline has developed and strengthened the Foundation’s work in lasting ways and her influence has spread far beyond Esmée.
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Youth-Led Creativity funding Q&A: 16 July 2026
Join the Esmée team and Involving Young People Collective for a Q&A webinar about our Youth-Led Creativity funding, which will open to applications in July 2026.
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Youth-Led Creativity funding opening in July 2026
We're excited to share that we will open to applications for Youth-Led Creativity in July. Co-designed with Esmée's Involving Young People Collective, the programme will focus on work in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and accept applications on a rolling basis.
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Why Esmée is focusing on parents with care experience
We’re pleased to share the findings from research exploring issues for parents with care experience and our future plans, supported by recommendations from a steering group of parents with care experience.
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Joy, challenge and change: my journey on the IYPC
Melanie Da Silva Pinto from Esmée’s Involving Young People Collective reflects on her time as a young consultant, what she’s learned and how the experience has shaped her thinking and her hopes for the sector. Mel also shares advice for young people joining the Collective.
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Supporting wellbeing across funded organisations
This year, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation is committing an additional £200k in Funding Plus support to help prevent burnout and improve wellbeing for the people we fund.
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Pre-application Q&A webinar: 3 June 2026
Watch a pre-application Q&A webinar we held on 3 June for organisations interested in applying to Esmée for support who have questions about our application process or guidance.
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Climate Action Partner: Invitation to Tender
We are looking to work with a delivery partner to design and deliver a pilot climate action support programme for ten organisations funded by Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, starting in Autumn 2026.
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Community-led art and creativity: mid-strategy review
We’re pleased to share a report by DHA Communications reviewing Esmée Fairbairn Foundation’s support for community-led art and creativity. It looks at the context for this work and what progress has been made. Alison Holdom, Esmée Funding Lead for Creative, Confident Communities, also shares reflections on the recommendations.
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