Mount Stuart 2027 Scotland Artist Residency: £693 Weekly Fee, Community Practice Applications by 6 November

Mount Stuart Trust's Visual Arts Programme has launched an emerging artist residency in socially engaged practice on the Isle of Bute, Scotland. Applications close 6 November 2026; one selected artist will spend four to eight weeks on Bute during January–February 2027. The official announcement includes an artist fee of £693 per week and accommodation that may be arranged on a hybrid basis. This is a supported practice-development residency, not a general open competition with prize money paid to every entrant.

Scotland-based or trained artists only

Candidates must be based in Scotland OR have attended a Scottish art school. They must generally have graduated in the past five years, or, where formal art education was inaccessible, show sustained art practice developed over three to five years. A genuine interest in working with Bute communities is required: a solo studio project wholly disconnected from residents may not meet the remit. Being a foreign national is not automatically disqualifying, but the geographic or educational link is essential.

£693 weekly fee and housing considerations

The artist fee is specified as £693 per week. For a selected four-week project that would imply £2,772 before any taxes or deductions, but actual payment depends on the agreed duration and contract. Accommodation is listed as available, potentially on a hybrid basis, rather than an unconditional full-board guarantee. Applicants should ask how transportation, project materials, accessibility, insurance and local community event expenses are budgeted before proposing an intensive programme.

What makes a compelling socially engaged proposal?

The trust seeks work developed with people or community groups on Bute, including artistic inquiry, participation and collaborative practice. The approach should be open enough to respond to the lived interests of the local community rather than arriving with a finished project requiring residents to play predetermined roles. Proposals can describe likely groups, an ethical plan for collaboration and how outcomes would be shared, while respecting the artistic rights of participants.

CV, references, letter and six images

The application includes a CV naming two referees, a letter explaining socially engaged practice and a possible approach to Bute, six examples of visual work and the Trust's Equality and Diversity monitoring form. Files are to be sent to Morven Gregor at morven@mountstuart.com or by post to Mount Stuart Trust, Isle of Bute. The organizer aims to announce the recipient during December 2026. Early submission is important for applicants mailing physical documents.

Institutional background

Mount Stuart Trust has organized an established Visual Arts Programme and commissions with contemporary artists since 2001. Its public site describes past exhibitions, workshops and the historic estate. The current opportunity should be understood as a new programme for emerging artists, with distinct community obligations from the Trust's high-profile gallery commissions. Refer to its October 2026 official call for conditions and contact details.

Mount Stuart Trust: official emerging artist residency 2027: https://www.mountstuart.com/news/emerging-artists-residency-in-socially-engaged-practice-open-call