East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust (EDLCT), in partnership with Creative Scotland, is offering fixed grants of £500 or £1,000 through the Visual Artist and Craft Maker Awards (VACMA) scheme. These awards are designed to inspire and support local creative talents, enabling them to develop their practice and advance their professional journeys.
Funding can be utilised for a variety of activities, including training, mentoring, exploring new ideas and techniques, research and development, sustainable practices, residencies, and acquiring essential equipment. It can also support the creation of new work for exhibitions or public presentations.
Alan Wright, Chair of EDLCT, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, "We're delighted we have been able to partner with Creative Scotland to provide this exciting support for artists and craft makers in East Dunbartonshire. As well as offering first-class services and facilities, the Trust is committed to helping to inspire and support the many talented people who live and create work locally."
To be eligible, applicants must live or maintain a studio space in East Dunbartonshire and work in visual art or craft artforms. Previous VACMA recipients must have submitted an End of Project Report. Full-time students are ineligible, but part-time students can apply if they provide evidence of their status and confirm the activity does not contribute to academic studies.
Priority will be given to applications demonstrating clear creative development, a project plan, and a commitment to practice. The deadline for submissions is 5pm on 2 February 2027.
Sarah MacIntyre, Visual Arts Officer at Creative Scotland, commented, “The bursaries make a valuable contribution to Scotland’s creative landscape, offering an accessible and inclusive route to public funding while helping artists and makers take their practice in exciting new directions.” Creative Scotland, funded by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery, supports culture and creativity across Scotland.
Further information, including an application form and eligibility guidance, is available on the EDLC website.
