Visual artists and craft makers across Ayrshire are being invited to apply for bursaries of up to £1,000 to support their creative and professional development.
Applications are now open for the Visual Artist and Craft Maker Awards (VACMA) 2026/27, with bursaries of £500 and £1,000 available.
The funding can be used for a wide range of development opportunities, including training and learning, mentoring, skills development, research, residencies and exploring new creative ideas.
Artists and makers can also seek support for sustainable working practices, essential equipment and the creation of new work.
There will be two application rounds for people working across Ayrshire. The autumn deadline is 5pm on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, followed by a winter deadline of 5pm on Tuesday, February 2, 2027.
Creative Scotland will also hold two free online information sessions for prospective applicants through Microsoft Teams.
The first session will take place from 10.30am until noon on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. A second session will be held from 2pm until 3.30pm on Wednesday, January 13, 2027.
VACMA is a national programme of small grant schemes delivered in partnership with local authorities and arts organisations across Scotland. Each scheme is managed locally, with the bursaries intended to help visual artists and craft makers progress creatively and professionally.
The programme is supported by Creative Scotland using funding from The National Lottery.
Further information, application guidance and registration details for the online sessions are available through the Creative Scotland website.