Arts Trust Scotland has launched its first website: www.artstrustscotland.org.uk providing information about the Trust and what it funds ahead of the next deadline for funding applications on 12 September.

Arts Trust Scotland is an independent charitable trust which provides support for emerging artists in Scotland. The Trust's aim is to support artists of considerable talent to develop their skill, ideas and potential, and to support the development of emerging artists who live and work in Scotland.

The Trust, which is an independent charitable trust, and is administered by the Scottish Arts Council to ensure running costs are kept to a minimum, allocates about £25,000 each year and decisions are taken at Trustee meetings twice a year. The funds are used to support a range of projects in any artform.

Awards are normally between £1,000 and £5,000, with a maximum of around 10 successful applicants. The next deadline for applications is 12 September 2008 and the new website will allow applicants to access guidance and downloadable application forms.

Andrew Kerr, chairman of Arts Trust Scotland, said: “Arts Trust Scotland was established to support emerging artists in Scotland.  It enables those who enjoy the richness of Scotland's arts, and who value the contribution that the arts, artists and creativity play in our national life, to contribute to their continued development.

“We've taken a fresh look at our work and see the need and opportunity to refresh our approach in a changing world.  The website, together with a leaflet campaign, will help raise the profile of the Trust among applicants and potential donors.”