Visual Arts Scotland Linkshouse Residency March 2025

Visual Arts Scotland (VAS) is delighted to announce a fourth, month long funded residency partnership with the Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Trust, and second with Linkshouse, part of the Pier Arts Centre Orkney.

The residency will offer a VAS member the opportunity to spend a month at Linkshouse Residency space in March 2025 to develop their ideas and practice.

Our Partners

Wilhelmina Barns Graham Trust

The Wilhelmina Barns Graham Trust was set up by the Scottish Artist in 1987 and exists to enhance her reputation as one of Britain’s most significant 20th Century artists. Her legacy supports young people and individuals to fulfil their potential as visual artists. Find out more about the the trust here: Wilhelmina Barns Graham Trust

Pier Arts Centre / Linkshouse Residency Space

The Pier Arts centre is based in Stromness on the Island of Orkney, the residency space, Linkshouse, is in a substantial converted Edwardian house in the historic village of Palace, Birsay, on the northwest corner of Orkney’s mainland. It is a dedicated space for artists residences, and local creativity, supporting artist organisations, communities and individuals to create and enjoy art. Set in a stunning location, the space has accommodation and a workshop space for individual or dual use.

To find out more about the Linkshouse Residency click HERE

Please be aware there may be other residency artists in the space at the same time.

Open for applications: Tuesday 7th January 2025
Deadline: Thursday 6th February, 5pm
The residency will take place from 1 – 31st March 2025 and includes:

● Accommodation and studio space for the duration of the residency. Please note that there may be other artist in residents in the accommodation at the time of the residency.

● An artist fee of £2200 will be provided to participants. This will be paid on receipt of an invoice to VAS on the first day of the residency.

● Travel costs up to £250 to and from the residency venue (additional travel whilst in residence not included). Travel to be organised by the artist and an invoice and receipts provided to VAS, who will then reimburse.

● Artists will be supported by a liaison from VAS and have on-site support whilst in residence.

● The selected artist will have an opportunity to exhibit work at the VAS annual exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh, in December 2025, but delivery and collection of work will be the responsibility of the artist.

Outcomes

● There is no expectation for the selected artists to create a body of work whilst on residency. Rather, we seek to provide space for them to reflect on their practice, test ideas and engage with the environment and location.

● VAS would like the successful applicant to undertake a VAS Instagram takeover for part of the residency, and later report on their experience and its impact on their practice either through writing a blog, and/or by participating in an online discussion facilitated by VAS. We are open to ideas about other ways you may wish to document or showcase your time whilst in residence, and our communications team will be happy to support you.

● Successful applicants should document their residency visually, through photographs, and share these with VAS for further promotion of the residency programme and further development of the project.

● The successful applicant will be required to complete a feedback form following the residency.

Eligibility

● Applicants must be a Visual Arts Scotland Member at the time of applying and whilst on the residency. To become a member of VAS please click here: BECOME VAS MEMBER

● Due to the criteria of the Wilhemina Barns Graham Trust, only those with a fine art practice are eligible rather than craft or applied arts. We determine fine art as a broad spectrum, and we are willing to accept any application if you feel your practice can be housed in the context of contemporary fine art. If you are unsure whether your practice will be eligible, please contact VAS on admin@visualartsscotland.org and we will be happy to advise.

HOW TO APPLY

You must be a current VAS member at the time of application and of residency. If you are not a VAS member you are still able to become a member before the deadline and be eligible to apply. Please see the link above.

We are looking for applying artists to explain what benefit they would get from the residency and being in a different location; in particular, how a sense of place can affect, inform and potentially develop their practice. As such, we are particularly interested in proposals that relate specifically to an aspect of place/landscape. We do not expect you to have visited the Island, but we would like to see evidence that you have undertaken research.

Send an email application letter in PDF format to admin@visualartsscotland.org with the subject: LINKSHOUSE RESIDENCY APPLICATION, and clearly title all documents with your name.

Please ensure that any images are on the same document and are not separate files. We are happy to accept links to films or other media. Please answer the following points within the application:

● Name
● Address
● Email
● Telephone Number
● Links to your website/social media (at your discretion)
● Emergency Contact Number (in the event you are successful, during the residency this is for emergencies only)
● Current artist statement (200 words)
● Why you would like this opportunity (200 words)
● Is there a specific project or idea that you will be developing during the residency? (200 words)
● Outline how you think the residency will inform or impact your practice. (200 words)
● How you would document and share your experiences. (150 words)
● Please also include 6 images of recent work (last three years)
● Please state your preferred way to travel - using your own car, train or bus

If you have any questions or require support please contact admin@visualartsscotland.org and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Only applications in PDF format will be accepted please do not send separate images or word files. Please only apply if you are able to undertake the residency during the advertised dates.

The selection panel will include representatives from Visual Arts Scotland, Wilhelmina Barns Graham Trust and Pier Arts Centre. All applications will be scored under the same criteria, quality of practice, strength of application, impact on practice and approach to documentation.

Applicants will be informed of the results of their application by the 12 midday on 10th February.