The Pier Arts Centre, Stromness, has been awarded £30,000 as part of a new Youth Arts Bursaries scheme with funding from the Scottish Government through Creative Scotland. 

It will offer a three-month opportunity with a two-week residency aimed at allowing an 18–24-year-old artist to engage with Pier Arts’ modernist art collection, network and meet with other professionals and experience Orkney’s unique environment.

The National Youth Arts Advisory Group (NYAAG) have been closely involved in the development of the programme. 

Youth Arts Bursary panellist member Laura Walker said: 

“It was a great experience as a young person to be a part of this decision-making-panel, knowing too that other young people had been involved in the assessment process before us. Not only does this allow us as assessors and decision-makers to build skills and be introduced to a professional process, but it means that we have crucial youth representation throughout.” 

Over 30 opportunities for early career artists and creative practitioners aged 18-24 are being supported across Scotland.

Culture Minister in the Scottish Government Jenny Gilruth said:

 “The Scottish Government is pleased to provide further support to young artists and creative practitioners through Creative Scotland’s Youth Arts Bursaries. This funding will help talented young people across Scotland who have been significantly impacted by the challenges they’ve faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“Supporting young people is central to our approach to COVID-19 recovery and it’s good to see that these bursaries have been shaped by the young people themselves to develop specific projects to advance their artistic careers.” 

The wide range of bursaries on offer includes opportunities in a diverse selection of sectors including visual arts, digital, crafts and traditional arts.  

Colin Bradie, Interim Head of Creative Learning at Creative Scotland said: 

“This fund, developed in direct response to feedback from young people, recognises them as professional artists and creative practitioners, and provides an important progression route, especially for those who lack the accessible support to develop their creative careers. For organisations, The Youth Arts Bursaries represent a valuable opportunity to work with young artists and creative practitioners and gain the opportunity to explore new ideas and innovative ways of working. 

“We would like to thank the Scottish Government for their continued investment in young people through this vital arts funding which helps ensure opportunities for artists and creative practitioners in Scotland remain strong as we continue to emerge from the pandemic.”