Applications are now open to Orkney Arts and Crafters who wish to develop themselves professionally and creatively.

The Visual Artists and Craft Makers Awards, run by Orkney Islands Council on behalf of Creative Scotland, with the support of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, offers grants of £500 and £1500.

Funding can be used to support research, skills training, studio work, exhibitions and mentoring.

Antony Mottershead, Orkney’s Arts Officer,  said:

“This is the fifth year of the Award and we’re grateful to Creative Scotland for their continued support of the scheme here in Orkney.

“So far the scheme has helped 19 local artists and makers to test new ideas, or to access skills or equipment needed to develop their work.”

There will be  2  workshops in September to give interested artists and craft makers the chance to find out more and support with developing and completing applications.

 Katherine Diaper an Orkney artist was awarded funding last year to support a period of time developing works in response to the Orkney yole.

Katherine said:

“I have always been fascinated by Ian Richardson’s boatyard in Stromness, and wanted to research and observe the creation and repair of the Yole, as well as explore the landscape of Ian’s workshop and the parallels with the coastal landscape it’s surrounded by.

“The award helped me travel to mainland Scotland for research trips, for example to the Glasgow transport museum in February and a planned trip in September to the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther.

“This will help me explore how yoles vary from other Scottish wooden fishing boats and give me a greater understanding of its unique history, as well as the unique lines and angles in the design of a yole.”

Katherine will be speaking at the workshops about how her project has unfolded – and to provide further advice on developing a good application.

The VACMA workshops will take place on:

Saturday 1 September, 13:00 – 15:00 at the Warehouse Buildings, Stromness.

Monday 3 September, 12:30 – 14:00 at the St Magnus Centre, Kirkwall.

Application forms, guidance and to book a place click on the link –  Arts, Opportunities and Funding , or  contact Antony Mottershead at the Council on 01856 873737 ext 2406.

 Email or write to Antony Mottershead, Care of Education, Leisure and Housing Services, Orkney Islands Council, School Place, Kirkwall KW15 1NY.

Closing date for applications:  Tuesday 2 October at 5pm.