Visual Artist and Craft Maker Awards (VACMA) 2026/27

About this call

The Visual Artist and Craft Maker Awards (VACMA) are small grant schemes funded by Creative Scotland through the National Lottery and managed locally by local authorities and arts organisations across Scotland. The bursaries support visual artists and craft makers in their creative and professional development, for example training and learning, mentoring, exploring new ideas, research and development, sustainable practices, residencies, essential equipment or creating new work. In 2026/27 there are two deadlines: Autumn, 5pm on 20 October 2026, and Winter, 5pm on 2 February 2027. Not every partner runs both; applicants apply through their local scheme's own website and form. Partners in the Autumn round are the Ayrshires, Dundee, Glasgow, Highland, Moray and Na h-Eileanan Siar, North Lanarkshire, Orkney, Shetland Isles and South of Scotland. Applicants must be based in Scotland, but the project can take place anywhere. Decisions come within 8 weeks of the deadline.

Who can apply

• Regional applicants
• Medium: Painting / Drawing / Sculpture / Printmaking / Photography / Ceramics / Textile / Installation / Mixed Media / New Media
• Entry fee: See official site
• For practising visual artists and craft makers based in Scotland who live or maintain a studio space in the local authority area of the scheme they apply to; where they live has no scheme, they may apply to another area's scheme only if they maintain a studio there. Applicants should have achieved a body of work (a degree show counts as evidence) and be able to show experience of presenting their work publicly (not only through social media); no formal qualifications needed. Full-time students cannot apply; part-time students must provide evidence of part-time status, usually a letter from a supervisor or tutor, and confirm the activity does not contribute to their academic studies. Previous VACMA recipients must have submitted an End of Project Report. Artists in other artforms, graphic designers, and filmmakers whose moving image is not part of a visual arts practice are not eligible; illustrators only with an independent creative practice beyond client-based work. One application per round. Activity must start at least 8 weeks after the deadline. Not funded: accredited academic courses, business start-up or development, mainly marketing or website costs, community or educational projects (except self-initiated socially engaged practice), building or renovation, framing and presentation costs only, projects with partnership funding from other VACMA or Creative Scotland programmes. Submit the local application form with a CV, 6 examples of recent work and an Equalities Monitoring Form; for an exhibition or residency, include a letter of confirmation from the venue or host. A joint proposal with another artist is possible, with one lead applicant who receives and manages the funds. Successful applicants must complete an End of Project Monitoring Report, and examples of their work may be used in reports and publicity.