Successful VACMA 2025/26 winter applicants announced
We're delighted to announce the successful applicants from the winter round of VACMA for 2025/26.
The Visual Artist and Craft Maker Awards (VACMA) are a programme of small grant schemes delivered in partnership with a range of local authorities and art organisations across Scotland. The schemes are managed locally by these partners. VACMA offers fixed bursaries of £500 and £1,000. The purpose of these bursaries is to support visual artists and craft makers in their creative and professional development.
During this latest round, we had 4 successful applicants:
- Ashley Liúsaidh McLaughlin-Watt
- Gill Owen
- Yolanda Bruce and Diane Garrick
You can find out more about these artists and their projects below.
Applications for VACMA 2026/27 will be open again later this year – keep an eye on our socials for further announcements.
Ashley Liúsaidh McLaughlin-Watt
“Of Stone, Sea, and Story: An Exploration of Shetland Folk Tales and Personal Narratives.”
Working across photography, moving image, sound and writing, Ashley’s practice explores identity, folklore and connection to the Shetland landscape. She creates immersive, storyled works that combine personal narrative with myth and place.
Ashley will develop a series of photographic and written works inspired by Shetland folklore, including trows and selkies, culminating in a collection of artist publications. Supported by archival research and local collaboration, the project will also explore exhibition possibilities.
Gill Owen
Working with hand-thrown pottery, Gill’s practice centers on sustainability, using foraged and recycled materials including wild clay and wood ash glazes. Her work reflects a strong connection to landscape, process, and traditional craft.
Gill will research and process locally sourced Shetland clay and develop glazes from basket-making waste, building a sustainable material library.Also includes testing, documentation and collaboration with local makers.
Yolanda Bruce and Diane Garrick
Diane and Yolanda are printmakers whose work is inspired by Shetland’s natural environment, using processes including lino, collagraph, mono printing, and textiles.
They will collaborate to experiment with new and environmentally friendly printmaking techniques, while travelling to remote areas of Shetland to gather inspiration. The project will include community workshops and the development of new work for exhibition.
Filed under: Craft, News, VACMA, Visual Art
