Applications are open
About the Programme
The Visual Artist and Craft Maker Awards (VACMA) are a programme of small grants schemes delivered in partnership with local authorities and art organisations across Scotland. The schemes are managed locally by these partners.
The purpose of these bursaries is to support visual artists and craft makers in their creative and professional development.
VACMA is supported by Creative Scotland through funding from the National Lottery.
VACMA 2024/25
In 2024/25 VACMA is offering fixed bursaries of £500 and £1000.
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£500 Early-Career Bursary is for artists and makers that have been practicing for less than 5 years. This includes recent graduates (2019 or later) and those that have not studied art formally but have been practising as an artist or maker for up to 5 years.
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£1,000 Bursary is for artists and makers who have been practising for over 5 years, regardless of whether they have gone through formal education or not.
We are working with partners across Scotland to deliver the scheme across 25 local authorities.
VACMA has two deadlines in 2024/25:
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Autumn deadline: 5pm, 22 October 2024
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Winter deadline: 5pm, 4 February 2025
Please note, not all partners offer a scheme with both deadlines – please check the following lists for detail on which partners are participating, and which deadlines they offer. Visit their websites to apply.
Information Sessions
Information sessions, delivered by partner representatives and members of Creative Scotland’s Visual Arts Team, will take place on Microsoft Teams on 25 September 2024 (2-3pm) and 14 January 2025 (11am-12pm), and will be followed by a Q&A.
Sign up using our booking platform:
We are always looking to expand our network of Local Authority partners.
If you are interested in developing a scheme in your area, please contact [email protected].
Downloads
For more information, please download the Guidance for Applicants.
Evaluation
We commissioned CG Research to provide Creative Scotland and VACMA partners with a clear understanding of how VACMA has evolved over the last 5 years and the benefits (or otherwise) of the programme to artists, makers and partners.