The programme supports a wide range of activities that help artists grow and experiment creatively. These include mentoring, skills development, exploring new ideas, working with sustainable materials, purchasing essential equipment, and undertaking residencies that contribute to artistic progress.
Two types of bursaries are available:
- A £1,000 bursary for artists and makers with more than three years’ experience of publicly presenting their work.
- A £500 bursary for those in the early stages of their career, with fewer than three years of practice.
VACMA has two deadlines in 2025/26:
- Autumn deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 21 October 2025
- Winter deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 3 February 2026
Sarah MacIntyre, Visual Arts Officer at Creative Scotland, said: “We are delighted to launch the Visual Artist and Craft Maker Awards and look forward to working with our local partners, whose expertise and dedication are central to the programme’s success. The grants offer essential support to artists and craft makers, helping them to explore ideas, develop their creative skills and experiment with new approaches.”
VACMA has been supported by Creative Scotland since its founding in 2010. Between 2020 and 2024, the programme distributed over 1,097 awards to artists and makers across Scotland.
Applicants can find full details on eligibility, funding criteria, and how to apply at: www.creativescotland.com/vacma
An online information session will be held via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday 13 January 2026, from 2:00pm to 3:30pm, delivered by Creative Scotland’s Visual Arts Team and local partners. Sign-up details are available on the Creative Scotland website.
