Moray Artists Bursary opens for applications

EMERGING and established local artists are being invited to apply for cash to help progress their creative ideas.

The Moray Artists Bursary 2019 is now open for applications for its second year. Local artists can apply for funding of between £500 and £1,500 to advance ideas, skills and technical expertise, research, and presenting new and innovative work.

The bursary was launched at a Culture Café in Roseisle this week, at which artists who were awarded bursaries last year showed how the funding had helped them in their work.

Last year £15,000 was shared between 10 individuals working across the arts, screen and creative industries in Moray.

One recipient was Graeme Roger, who visited historical sites to create film work exploring recurring themes of eccentric and impromptu performance. Another was designer Jennifer Cantwell, who described her practice as "an irreverence towards rules and a love of pushing materials and processes to the edges of what I can personally achieve".

Heather Fulton, artistic director at theatre company Frozen Charlotte, organised the Culture Café using part of her 2018 bursary.

Heather said: "The bursary has been invaluable in terms of developing and maintaining sustainable relationships within Moray’s creative scene. It has enabled me to connect with local artists, and provided inspiration for future projects with Frozen Charlotte, whose mission is to ensure that the theatre is as accessible as possible to Scottish communities."

The bursary was established by We Make Moray, a place partnership project which supports arts and culture initiatives. The fund is designed to enable the recipients to realise their own potential while helping to advance the wider Moray Cultural Strategy.

Karen Dick, interim head of place, partnerships and communities at Creative Scotland, said: "We are delighted to support this opportunity for artists living or working in Moray through the Place Partnership Programme.

"The recipients of the first round of awards have demonstrated the huge impact a small amount of support can have."

Sandra Morrison, Place Partnership co-ordinator, said: "The culmination of last year’s projects demonstrates how vital a role the creative industries play in Moray’s culture. Enabling artists to continue to develop their practice has provided inspiration to our creative community and I am eager to see how the second instalment of funding will continue to positively impact Moray’s communities."

Application forms are available at www.wemakemoray.org/opportunities, by emailing sandra@tsimoray.org.uk or phoning 01343 205274.

The fund is open from today and will close at midnight on Friday, October 25.

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