Artists urged to apply for funding scheme

Orkney’s artists and craftmakers are being encouraged to apply for a funding scheme, administered by Orkney Islands Council.

Visual Artists and Craft Makers (VACMA) fund is open for submissions.

The scheme is supported by Creative Scotland through funding from the National Lottery in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Orkney Islands Council.

The 2021-22 scheme offers two levels of grants:

• Bursaries of £750 for experienced artists.
• Bursaries of £500 for New Graduates / Emerging Artists. Applicants must have less than 5 years’ experience outside of education or training or to have graduated in 2015 or later.

Funding can be used to support developmental research, skills training, studio work, exhibitions and mentoring.

OIC arts officer, Emma Gee, said: “We are delighted to be entering this eighth season of the scheme in Orkney with the support of the National Lottery, HIE and Creative Scotland.

“This fund is a hugely important part of supporting this sector and has helped many local artists to make a mark and extend themselves, helping Orkney continue to feature strongly in the national arts landscape.”

Eight artists based in Orkney benefited from bursaries totalling £5,750 in the 2020-21 round of the grant.

The next deadlines are October 26, 2021 and February 1, 2022. You can find out more on https://www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/S/arts-opportunities-and-funding.htm