Leith is inviting people with a connection to the area to pitch creative ideas for its 900th anniversary celebrations in 2028, with three £3,000 commissions available for projects taking place in early 2027.
The campaign, titled Big Ideas. Leith Style, is seeking proposals that celebrate the area's culture, heritage and identity, with no formal application or previous experience required.
Ideas can be submitted in writing, as a voice note or through a short video.
The three commissions will support projects scheduled for January and February 2027, marking one year until Leith's 900th anniversary.
Projects could take the form of events, collaborations or creative activities of any scale, drawing on Leith's history in areas such as football, shipbuilding, street art and community life.
Activities could take place in a range of settings, from stages and playgrounds to pubs and kitchens.
Each project should bring people together and leave a lasting legacy, whether through skills, relationships, confidence, memories or knowledge.
The scheme is open to individuals, community groups, charities, social enterprises, cultural organisations, businesses and informal networks based in Leith. Partnerships are encouraged.
The call is also seeking more ambitious proposals that could help shape the area's cultural programme in 2028.
Artists and organisations from across the UK and internationally can submit ideas, provided they are rooted in Leith and offer meaningful opportunities for the local community.
If Leith's bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028 is successful, projects could receive between £15,000 and £150,000 for development and delivery.
Organisers want ideas that reflect Leith's distinctive character, are developed with local people and reach audiences beyond those who typically engage with cultural activities.
Proposals should briefly outline the idea, the aspect of Leith it celebrates, potential collaborators, the intended audience and why the project matters.
Submissions close on 6 November 2026.
A newly formed Leith People's Forum will review entries in November, with shortlisted applicants invited to discuss their ideas further.
Leith's UK Town of Culture bid is supported by a partnership that includes the City of Edinburgh Council, Leith Theatre, Hibs FC, The Proclaimers, Edinburgh International Festival and Edinburgh Art Festival.
The UK Town of Culture award is presented by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
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Susie Gray and Jenny Mungall, co-directors of Leith Culture Partnership, said: "Culture isn't something Leith is short of – it's all around us.
"In the pubs, the bowling clubs, the church halls, the streets, artists spaces and renowned kitchens, and it has been for 900 years.
"This call is about finding the people who can tell our story brilliantly and backing them.
"We want ideas from everyone, locals with things to say and dreams for Leith and those who have been captivated by Leith’s character and spirit far and wide."
Ideas can be sent to hello@leith2028.com.
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