Making History is a maker-in-residence Scotland-wide initiative, funded by Historic Environment Scotland and Craft Scotland, bringing makers in residence to some of Scotland’s finest historical buildings.
Historic Environment Scotland and Craft Scotland are looking for three to four makers to support a community engagement project inspired by four of Historic Environment Scotland‘s properties: Arbroath Abbey, Dunfermline Abbey, Melrose Abbey and Dunblane Cathedral.
Taking inspiration from the physical structure, stories, history and culture of these buildings, the successful applicants will be supported to work with a community or learning group to co-design new work in any one of Craft Scotland’s eligible disciplines, and share their findings, practice and skills with other makers and educators through in-person or online talks.
The project will take place from February to March 2022, with a showcase presented after this time. Makers will need to commit to 15 days work in total, for the development and delivery of the project.
Full information about the project, maker profile and eligibility is available in the application pack & guidance on the Craft Scotland website. We recommend reading through the information provided before applying.
If you have any questions or require assistance submitting your application, then please contact Craft Scotland at: hello@craftscotland.org.
NB: the Craft Scotland office will be closed 22nd December 2021 to 4th January 2022, inclusive.
Equal opportunity & access
We are committed to equality and opposed to all forms of unfair discrimination.
We welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented makers: makers with lived experience of being Black, Asian, Mixed Heritage and/or a Person of Colour, Refugee, D/deaf, Neurodivergent, Disabled, and/or LGBTQIA+.
If you are interested in this opportunity but feel there are some barriers to participation (caring responsibilities, financial, accessibility, travel, slow internet/devices etc.) please do get in touch. We would be happy to discuss this with you and see what support is available.
If you think you might be a good fit for the programme and would like to find out more, in advance of applying, then please do get in touch. Please contact: Tanwen Llewelyn, Programme Co-ordinator (Learning), Craft Scotland:Â tanwen@craftscotland.org.
(Top photo: Close-up on hands sewing white fabric with white thread. Photo by Elio Santos via Unsplash.)
Creative Carbon Scotland is a partnership of arts organisations working to put culture at the heart of a sustainable Scotland. We believe cultural and creative organisations have a significant influencing power to help shape a sustainable Scotland for the 21st century.
In 2011 we worked with partners Festivals Edinburgh, the Federation of Scottish Threatre and Scottish Contemporary Art Network to support over thirty arts organisations to operate more sustainably.
We are now building on these achievements and working with over 70 cultural organisations across Scotland in various key areas including carbon management, behavioural change and advocacy for sustainable practice in the arts.
Our work with cultural organisations is the first step towards a wider change. Cultural organisations can influence public behaviour and attitudes about climate change through:
Changing their own behaviour; Communicating with their audiences; Engaging the public’s emotions, values and ideas.
Now open for Round 4, the Jorum Craft Award (£500) provides funding to assist with the development of a maker’s creative practice, including but not limited to research and development of a new piece of work, project or collection.
The Jorum Craft Award (£500) provides funding to assist with the development of a maker’s creative practice, including but not limited to research and development of a new piece of work, project or collection.
The Jorum Craft Award is supported by Jorum Studio, in association with Craft Scotland.
Jorum Studio is a Scottish perfumer established in 2010 – creating perfumes conceived of the head, nurtured with heart, and crafted by hand.
Award requirements
One applicant will be successful per round
Complete a digital sketchbook (images, writing, drawing etc.) documenting the creative process over a 6 to 12-month period (activity to be agreed with Jorum Studios upon selection)
Provide feedback to Craft Scotland on how the award has helped you develop your creative practice (6-12 months later)
How to apply?
If you are interested in applying for the award, please fill in the short online application form by 5pm, Tuesday 11th January 2022.
Craft Scotland will be in touch to confirm whether you have been successful by Friday 28th January 2022.
NB: the Craft Scotland office will be closed 22nd December 2021 to 4th January 2022, inclusive.
Eligibility
Professional makers, living and working in Scotland
Makers should be working in one or more of Craft Scotland’s eligible disciplines.
All work should be the design of the maker and made by the maker (or made by small-batch production under their direct supervision).
All work must reflect excellence and the unique vision of its maker, be well conceived and skilfully made.
Previous Jorum Craft Award unsuccessful applicants are welcome to reapply.
Previous successful recipients of the Jorum Craft Award are not eligible to reapply.
Equal opportunity & access
We are committed to equality and opposed to all forms of unfair discrimination.
We welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented makers: makers with lived experience of being Black, Asian, Mixed Heritage and/or a Person of Colour, Refugee, D/deaf, Neurodivergent, Disabled, and/or LGBTQIA+.
If you are interested in this opportunity but feel there are some barriers to participation (caring responsibilities, financial, accessibility, travel, slow internet/devices etc.) please do get in touch. We would be happy to discuss this with you and see what support is available.
If you think you might be a good fit for the programme and would like to find out more, in advance of applying, then please do get in touch.
Please contact Jo Scott, Head of Programmes, Craft Scotland:Â jo@craftscotland.org.
(Top photo: Carved wooden bowl with distinctive grain, sitting on a black surface. Photography by Jack Sheahan.)
Creative Carbon Scotland is a partnership of arts organisations working to put culture at the heart of a sustainable Scotland. We believe cultural and creative organisations have a significant influencing power to help shape a sustainable Scotland for the 21st century.
In 2011 we worked with partners Festivals Edinburgh, the Federation of Scottish Threatre and Scottish Contemporary Art Network to support over thirty arts organisations to operate more sustainably.
We are now building on these achievements and working with over 70 cultural organisations across Scotland in various key areas including carbon management, behavioural change and advocacy for sustainable practice in the arts.
Our work with cultural organisations is the first step towards a wider change. Cultural organisations can influence public behaviour and attitudes about climate change through:
Changing their own behaviour; Communicating with their audiences; Engaging the public’s emotions, values and ideas.
Based in the creative hub of Castle Mills in Edinburgh, this role will support the day-to-day running of the organisation and support the Craft Scotland team in delivering our programme more widely.
Craft Scotland is the national development agency for craft. We put makers at the heart of all we do, championing diverse and high-quality contemporary craft. We help people learn about, appreciate and buy craft, promoting the contribution of craft to Scotland’s cultural, economic and social well-being.
Through our events and exhibitions programme, learning programme, digital platforms and strategic partnerships, we provide leadership for the sector. We create opportunities for makers to develop their creative and business practice, and to exhibit and sell work in Scotland and beyond.
Full information about the role, key accountabilities and capabilities is available in the recruitment pack on our website. We recommend reading through the information provided before applying.
Craft is culturally significant, essential to our economy and meaningful to our communities. Craft Scotland believes that everyone should have the opportunity to see, enjoy, learn about and participate in craft. We are committed to equality and opposed to all forms of unfair discrimination.
We welcome applications from underrepresented in the cultural sector: including but not limited to candidates with lived experience of being Black, Asian, Mixed Heritage and/or a Person of Colour, Refugee, D/deaf, Neurodivergent, Disabled, and/or LGBTQIA+.
Craft Scotland is an Equal Opportunities Employer and our offices at Castle Mills are accessible. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
How to apply
Please apply outlining your skills and experience in relation to the vacancy details and capability profile. Your application should include:
Covering letter (max 1 x A4 pages)
Current CV (max 2 x A4 pages)
2 x relevant referees (please include name, organisation, job title, email and contact phone number and in what capacity they know you)
Visit the Craft Scotland website for more information about the office assistant role.
(Top image description: Porcelain jug and decorative items on a table with the Craft Scotland logo and text reading ‘Vacancy, office assistant, deadline Thurs 6 Jan 2022’.)
Creative Carbon Scotland is a partnership of arts organisations working to put culture at the heart of a sustainable Scotland. We believe cultural and creative organisations have a significant influencing power to help shape a sustainable Scotland for the 21st century.
In 2011 we worked with partners Festivals Edinburgh, the Federation of Scottish Threatre and Scottish Contemporary Art Network to support over thirty arts organisations to operate more sustainably.
We are now building on these achievements and working with over 70 cultural organisations across Scotland in various key areas including carbon management, behavioural change and advocacy for sustainable practice in the arts.
Our work with cultural organisations is the first step towards a wider change. Cultural organisations can influence public behaviour and attitudes about climate change through:
Changing their own behaviour; Communicating with their audiences; Engaging the public’s emotions, values and ideas.
Applications are now open for the RSA Residencies for Scotland.
The RSA Residencies for Scotland is an artist-led scheme that provides valuable research and residency opportunities for artists. It forges important networks with centres of artistic excellence across Scotland, ranging from traditional residency venues to specialised production facilities.
Open to visual artists at all stages of their careers, the emphasis is on enabling a period of research, development and production, as well as on the acquisition and exchange of new skills and experiences. Artists can apply for funds of up to £5,000 and are responsible for managing their own residency, in discussion with the partner venue(s).
Our partner venues all have a long history of offering quality development to, and presentation opportunities for, contemporary artists. For many their expertise and longevity has formed the backbone of artist practice in Scotland for decades. Exhibition opportunities may be available at the RSA or through links with the partner venues and their own exhibition facilities or networks.
The Royal Scottish Academy of Art & Architecture is an independently funded institution whose purpose is to promote and support the visual arts in Scotland. The programme is administered and funded by the RSA, with kind support from the RSA Friends and The Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Charitable Trust. Launched in 2009, the project is now offered on a biennial basis.
Aims of the residency programme:
To enable artists a period of research, development and production
To reinforce links with centres of excellence across Scotland
To provide access to technical expertise and assistance to learn new skills and techniques
To enable the exchange of ideas and practice
Deadline: Midnight, Sunday 23rd January 2022.
For more information, please visit the RSA website.
(Top image description: Teal-coloured background with text reading ‘Call the artists; RSA residencies for Scotland 2022’.)
Creative Carbon Scotland is a partnership of arts organisations working to put culture at the heart of a sustainable Scotland. We believe cultural and creative organisations have a significant influencing power to help shape a sustainable Scotland for the 21st century.
In 2011 we worked with partners Festivals Edinburgh, the Federation of Scottish Threatre and Scottish Contemporary Art Network to support over thirty arts organisations to operate more sustainably.
We are now building on these achievements and working with over 70 cultural organisations across Scotland in various key areas including carbon management, behavioural change and advocacy for sustainable practice in the arts.
Our work with cultural organisations is the first step towards a wider change. Cultural organisations can influence public behaviour and attitudes about climate change through:
Changing their own behaviour; Communicating with their audiences; Engaging the public’s emotions, values and ideas.
Funds for local climate-related community events, such as cultural exhibits, talks, workshops.
Scotland’s Climate Festival supports communities across the country to hold local climate events. Our seed fund aims to help local organisers get up and running, wherever you are in the country. This can be for any climate-related community event, such as an exhibition, artist’s talk, workshop, or other cultural or creative activity. Events can be in venues or online.
For this first wave of Scotland’s Climate Festival, we’re considering applications from events taking place before 31st March 2022. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Creative Carbon Scotland is a partnership of arts organisations working to put culture at the heart of a sustainable Scotland. We believe cultural and creative organisations have a significant influencing power to help shape a sustainable Scotland for the 21st century.
In 2011 we worked with partners Festivals Edinburgh, the Federation of Scottish Threatre and Scottish Contemporary Art Network to support over thirty arts organisations to operate more sustainably.
We are now building on these achievements and working with over 70 cultural organisations across Scotland in various key areas including carbon management, behavioural change and advocacy for sustainable practice in the arts.
Our work with cultural organisations is the first step towards a wider change. Cultural organisations can influence public behaviour and attitudes about climate change through:
Changing their own behaviour; Communicating with their audiences; Engaging the public’s emotions, values and ideas.
A funded three-week arts residency in an off-grid eco cabin in the Scottish Highlands during April 2022
The Seed Bed Residency is a collaboration between Circus Artspace and Black Isle Permaculture & Arts (BIPA), supported by Creative Scotland.
We are looking for a contemporary visual artist to undertake a three-week residency in a timber, off-grid eco cabin sited in BIPA’s organic permaculture garden and smallholding in the Scottish Highlands during April 2022.
This opportunity is open to artists, at all stages of their career, seeking to develop their practice through reflection, simple living, and new modes of research, inquiry, and production. The resident artist is also invited to engage with local artists, networks and communities.
This residency opportunity is ideal for artists working in the fields of sustainable living and food production, climate crisis, and ecology, in dialogue with people, places, and ecosystems. As we emerge from the global pandemic, artists are invited to spend time on this residency considering our relationship with nature, ecology and the climate crisis. How can creativity respond and guide us on a regenerative and sustainable pathway into the future, for both ourselves and our habitats?
Artist’s fee: the selected artist will receive a fee of £1,500
We aim to promote equal opportunities for all artists. If you are facing any barriers or have additional access needs which stop you from applying, please get in touch.
For all queries, please feel free to email Circus Artspace at hello@circus.scot
Creative Carbon Scotland is a partnership of arts organisations working to put culture at the heart of a sustainable Scotland. We believe cultural and creative organisations have a significant influencing power to help shape a sustainable Scotland for the 21st century.
In 2011 we worked with partners Festivals Edinburgh, the Federation of Scottish Threatre and Scottish Contemporary Art Network to support over thirty arts organisations to operate more sustainably.
We are now building on these achievements and working with over 70 cultural organisations across Scotland in various key areas including carbon management, behavioural change and advocacy for sustainable practice in the arts.
Our work with cultural organisations is the first step towards a wider change. Cultural organisations can influence public behaviour and attitudes about climate change through:
Changing their own behaviour; Communicating with their audiences; Engaging the public’s emotions, values and ideas.
Submissions are now open online for the 196th RSA Annual Exhibition.
The RSA Annual Exhibition is the most extensive exhibition of contemporary art and architecture in Scotland. Having been a mainstay of the academy’s calendar since its inception 196 years ago, the Annual Exhibition has evolved over the years, showcasing Scottish art alongside invited international artists, often including topical or political elements, to give an uncensored, independent voice to artists on issues that matter to them.
After the success of its re-introduction in 2019, the Open Art element will return once again in 2022 as a vital component of the RSA Annual Exhibition. Online submission is now open for the 2022 exhibition for works of any scale and in any fine art medium.
While we are excited to be returning to a physical exhibition this year, we want to build on the successes of the online experience forced upon us during COVID-19, which enabled more works to be selected and extended the ways for audiences to discover and engage with artworks through the digital experience.
For this reason we have decided that all pre-selected works will automatically be included in the online exhibition and only those selected at the final physical selection will be shown in the gallery.
There is also the opportunity to submit work as a solely online presentation. These works will only be considered for online selection and open up an opportunity for more experimental practices, for example documentation of installed site-specific work or extended digital video content.
Artists may submit up to TWO works of any size of any fine art size, media, or format.
Entry is £20 per work (£10 for students & under 26s) plus £10 hanging fee if selected.
Creative Carbon Scotland is a partnership of arts organisations working to put culture at the heart of a sustainable Scotland. We believe cultural and creative organisations have a significant influencing power to help shape a sustainable Scotland for the 21st century.
In 2011 we worked with partners Festivals Edinburgh, the Federation of Scottish Threatre and Scottish Contemporary Art Network to support over thirty arts organisations to operate more sustainably.
We are now building on these achievements and working with over 70 cultural organisations across Scotland in various key areas including carbon management, behavioural change and advocacy for sustainable practice in the arts.
Our work with cultural organisations is the first step towards a wider change. Cultural organisations can influence public behaviour and attitudes about climate change through:
Changing their own behaviour; Communicating with their audiences; Engaging the public’s emotions, values and ideas.
Online submission is now open for the 196th RSA Annual Exhibition.
We are delighted to announce that the RSA Open Exhibition of Architecture is returning once again this spring as part of the 196th RSA Annual Exhibition. On view from 23rd April-12th June 2022, the exhibition will showcase a diverse range of contemporary art and architecture from our Royal Scottish Academicians, plus artists and architects carefully selected from online open submissions.
The Open Architecture element aims to highlight some of the most interesting current architectural practices across Scotland and beyond.
Online submission is now open for the 2022 exhibition for works of any scale and in any suitable architectural medium – including models/3D, drawing, photography and film/animations.
Architects may submit up to TWO works of any size. Work may be submitted in any suitable medium, including drawings, photography, models, video work etc.
Entry is £30 per work (student & under 26s £10) plus £10 hanging fee if selected.
Creative Carbon Scotland is a partnership of arts organisations working to put culture at the heart of a sustainable Scotland. We believe cultural and creative organisations have a significant influencing power to help shape a sustainable Scotland for the 21st century.
In 2011 we worked with partners Festivals Edinburgh, the Federation of Scottish Threatre and Scottish Contemporary Art Network to support over thirty arts organisations to operate more sustainably.
We are now building on these achievements and working with over 70 cultural organisations across Scotland in various key areas including carbon management, behavioural change and advocacy for sustainable practice in the arts.
Our work with cultural organisations is the first step towards a wider change. Cultural organisations can influence public behaviour and attitudes about climate change through:
Changing their own behaviour; Communicating with their audiences; Engaging the public’s emotions, values and ideas.
4th September 2021. This event brought together a former oil worker, activists, researchers, climate and social justice collectives and organisations to discuss their work and reflections on Energy Politics and Just Transition in Scotland. It was organised in collaboration with Fertile Ground.
Energy systems; coal, oil, renewables help shape our economic and political structures. The discovery of oil in the North Sea in the late 1960’s transformed the UK as a much-needed source of energy security and as the UK gateway to the industry, came to dominate Aberdeen’s economy. Energy transition for Aberdeen and the wider North East remains a complex and challenging concept, from the failure of current renewable energy investment to provide meaningful work, to the lack of engagement with wider communities affected by energy transition.
The event was programmed as part of CRUDE, an exhibition at Look Again Project Space exploring our complex relationship to crude oil through newly commissioned works from artists and writers; Ashanti Harris, Alison Scott, and Shane Strachan. Visitors to the event were able to arrive early or stay on afterwards to explore the exhibition.
Speakers
A video of the speakers at this event is available to view here. You can also read a summary and reflection on some of the main issues raised in the paragraphs below.
Rachel Grant, curator at Fertile Ground, introduced the session by discussing the central role of the oil industry in Aberdeen’s history and the way that energy systems shape our culture as well as our economy. She commented on the visible traces of the oil industry everywhere in the city, from civic infrastructure through to BP sponsorship of Aberdeen Art Gallery. She also discussed the transition away from fossil fuels and the importance of not replicating past injustices. As an example, she outlined the proposal for an ‘Energy Transition Zone’ developed by oil tycoon Ian Wood, which would involve building space for businesses and renewables infrastructure on St Fittick’s Park, a wetland site vital for bird migration. This would be the fourth industrial land clearance in the local community of Torry, following the model of previous infrastructure clearances for the oil industry.
Next, researcher Ewan Gibbs outlined the role of the North Sea oil industry in recent Scottish history. He discussed the rapid transition from coal mining, with employment from mines having fallen from 80,000 to 30,000 from the 1950s to 1970s, and the idea that oil extraction encouraged different types of employment, with people moving to working offshore with homes scattered across the mainland rather than gathered together in a single community. He also emphasised the role of the North Sea oil industry in debate over Scottish independence and arguments over whether the profits from the industry should belong to Scotland or be distributed across the UK. This was particularly pertinent given the relative poverty of North East Scotland, with many people experiencing fuel poverty while living adjacent to oil refineries.
Ryan from Friends of the Earth Scotland and Gabby from Platform discussed their experiences of discussing the just transition with oil workers. For context, they spoke about the ways that workers rights and environmentalism have come together in the past through examples like the Green Bans movement in Australia and emphasised the importance of ‘people power’ as a way to hold ‘financial power’ in check. Although the need for a Just Transition has been formalised in the Paris Agreement and through the appointment of a Just Transition minister for Scotland, there remain a number of issues. The £62 million energy transition fund established during the covid-19 pandemic doesn’t require retention of workforce, job creation, or emissions reductions, and at the peak of the first lockdown the oil industry workforce had dropped from 26,900 to 14,000. Fire and re-hire practice, increased casualisation of contracts, and the risk of blacklisting if workers join unions continue to be issues in the industry.
Friends of the Earth Scotland, Platform and Greenpeace surveyed 1400 offshore workers, 5% of workforce at the time, and spoke to 400 more on the phone. They found that 82% would consider leaving industry, but that 91% had not heard the term Just Transition. Job security was the most common top priority, and a lack of training or funding for training were seen as main barriers to workforce transition. They are currently working on a film about the just transition and plan to hold screenings as conversation starters for further discussions with oil workers.
Finally, Neil Rothnie discussed his experiences as an oil worker and more recently as a climate justice campaigner. He highlighted how the quality of jobs in the North Seas oil industry had been in decline for a long period, with a decline in wages after inflation and major safety breaches such as the Piper Alpha incident and at Total’s Elgin Complex in 2012. He highlighted that the renewable industry won’t necessarily work to the benefit of workers unless regulation ensures it. Currently, international renewable energy companies working in Scotland have not brought many jobs to local residents. He called on artists to help ‘upset the applecart’ by thinking creatively and challenging the status quo through questioning the role of the oil industry in the just transition and critiquing fossil fuel sponsorship of the arts.
Discussion
This was followed by some open discussion time to further explore the issues raised by the panellists. Here are a few extra points that emerged from this discussion:
When asked about positive examples of the implementation of renewable energy infrastructure in Scotland, the panellists pointed to the long standing role of community hydro schemes in the highlands and islands as well as a recent plan in Ayrshire for new renewable energy infrastructure through a community wealth building approach.
When asked about what action people could take locally in Aberdeen, the main suggestion was to get involved in the campaign to save St Fittick’s Park.
When asked about the role of artists in ensuring a just transition, the panellists felt that artists could help to create a positive alternative vision for energy that is radically different from the status quo. It was also emphasised that artists should aim to work more directly with people like oil workers and the residents of Torry.
Image credit: Rachel Grant
(Top image: A photograph of wind turbines taken off the coast of Aberdeen from a boat. The image includes a close-up image of the wind turbines. Their colours are mainly grey with a bright yellow base. The sea is dark and calm. The sky is grey and overcast. Text reads: Energy Politics and Just Transition: Green Tease Reflections.)
About Green Tease
The Green Tease events series and network is a project organised by Creative Carbon Scotland, bringing together people from arts and environmental backgrounds to discuss, share expertise, and collaborate. Green Tease forms part of our culture/SHIFT programme.
Creative Carbon Scotland is a partnership of arts organisations working to put culture at the heart of a sustainable Scotland. We believe cultural and creative organisations have a significant influencing power to help shape a sustainable Scotland for the 21st century.
In 2011 we worked with partners Festivals Edinburgh, the Federation of Scottish Threatre and Scottish Contemporary Art Network to support over thirty arts organisations to operate more sustainably.
We are now building on these achievements and working with over 70 cultural organisations across Scotland in various key areas including carbon management, behavioural change and advocacy for sustainable practice in the arts.
Our work with cultural organisations is the first step towards a wider change. Cultural organisations can influence public behaviour and attitudes about climate change through:
Changing their own behaviour; Communicating with their audiences; Engaging the public’s emotions, values and ideas.
The Last Perfect Day on Earth is a stark statement on the perilous state of our planet as we approach the crucial COP26 talks in Crawford Mack’s home town of Glasgow. It is a subject that both engages and enrages the songwriter in equal measure given, as he notes, the finality of the situation and the need for immediate action:
“Nothing else will matter if we don’t address the climate emergency. All those massive differences that we feel we have in society pale into nothing in the face of this and so many of them are encapsulated by it. A world that is unfair is a world in which the Global South suffers for the emissions of the Global North, in which the poorest suffer the worst effects of climate breakdown. Solve the climate crisis and you solve so much more at the same time.â€
The song was developed over a period in which the reality of climate breakdown became inescapable. Floods across Europe and Asia, record temperatures and wildfires in North America, stark warnings of collapsing ice-sheets, vanishing glaciers and biodiversity loss were the other narrative of 2021, more destructive and more complex to solve than another emergency that gripped the planet and its attention.
Creative Carbon Scotland is a partnership of arts organisations working to put culture at the heart of a sustainable Scotland. We believe cultural and creative organisations have a significant influencing power to help shape a sustainable Scotland for the 21st century.
In 2011 we worked with partners Festivals Edinburgh, the Federation of Scottish Threatre and Scottish Contemporary Art Network to support over thirty arts organisations to operate more sustainably.
We are now building on these achievements and working with over 70 cultural organisations across Scotland in various key areas including carbon management, behavioural change and advocacy for sustainable practice in the arts.
Our work with cultural organisations is the first step towards a wider change. Cultural organisations can influence public behaviour and attitudes about climate change through:
Changing their own behaviour; Communicating with their audiences; Engaging the public’s emotions, values and ideas.