Royal Scottish Academy

About

RSA Residencies for Scotland is an artist-led scheme which provides valuable research and development opportunities for visual artists. It forges important networks with centres of artistic excellence across Scotland, ranging from traditional residency venues to specialised production facilities.

Open to artists at all stages of their careers and free to apply, the emphasis is on enabling a period of research, development and production, as well as on the acquisition and exchange of new skills and experiences. Artists can apply for funds of up to £5,000 and are responsible for managing their own residency, in discussion with their chosen partner venue.

Our partner venues offer quality development and presentation opportunities to contemporary artists. Their expertise and longevity have helped form the backbone of artistic practice in Scotland for decades. Exhibition opportunities may be available at the RSA or through links with the partner venues and their own exhibition facilities or networks.

The RSA is an independently funded institution whose purpose is to promote and support the visual arts in Scotland. The Residencies for Scotland programme is administered and funded by the RSA, with kind support from the Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Trust and the RSA W. Gordon Smith & Jay Gordonsmith Trust. Launched in 2009, the programme is offered on a biennial basis. Since its inception the RSA has awarded over £386,000 to 118 artists to spend time at 42 different venues across Scotland.

Aims of the residency programme:

To enable artists a period of research, development and production.
To reinforce links with centres of excellence across Scotland.
To provide access to technical expertise and assistance to learn new skills and techniques.
To enable the exchange of ideas and practice.

Entry Conditions

Artists must have either been born in, or are currently living in Scotland (and have been for at least 3 consecutive years*).

*Exceptions to this 3 year rule will be permitted on enquiry for those intending to remain in Scotland, this includes refugees based in Scotland. Please contact us to discuss further.
Artists should not be in full-time education at the time of applying.
Artists may apply for funds of up to £5,000.
Duration of residencies are flexible but must be completed before the end of 2027. Failure to complete residencies within the stated time may result in award monies being recalled.
Artists are responsible for budgeting all aspects of the residency in the application (accommodation, materials, venue costs, travel, workshop use, etc).
The artist will be responsible for the structure and day-to-day management of their award, in agreement with their residency venue.
The overall project will be administered and financial aspects monitored by the RSA.
Artists will need to check for any restrictions or additional costs that may apply to each residency venue before completing the application. A full list of participating venues and residency guidelines can be found further down this page and in the Residency Venue Information Pack.
Funds are to be put solely towards the residency costs.
Funds can be used in conjunction with other sources of funding (this should be clearly outlined in the budget).
Funds cannot be used as capital, to fund exhibition costs, to pay for editioning of works or for third party production costs.
Successful applicants will be required to complete an evaluation report at the end of their residency.
All resulting works/exhibitions/publications etc. should carry the RSA and Residency Venue credit and the relevant logos.

How to apply

Artists must register and submit their applications online via Submittable using the Apply online link below.
Click here to view the full Applicant Guidelines. It is vital to read this in full before applying.
Click here to view a PDF of the Residency Venue Information. You can also scroll down to view the same information on our individual Residency Venue pages below. You should use this information to select your residency venue and put together your budget.
Click here to view our Frequently Asked Questions. Please look at this before contacting us as your question may be answered here.