What is VACMA?
The Visual Artist and Craft Maker Awards (VACMA) is 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 £1000. The purpose of these bursaries is to support visual artists and craft makers in their creative and professional development.
VACMA has two deadlines:
- Autumn deadline: 5pm, 20 October 2026
- Winter deadline: 5pm, 2 February 2027
These awards are supported by Creative Scotland through funding from the National Lottery in partnership with High Life Highland and are open to artists and makers who can demonstrate a commitment to developing their creative practice.
Who can apply?
This fund is for practicing visual artists and craft makers who are based in the Local Authority areas of Highland, Moray or Na h-Eileanan Siar. If you are out with our area please refer to Creative Scotland’s website for a list of the other region schemes.
To be eligible, you must:
- Live or maintain a studio space in the local authority area you are applying to.
- Have submitted an End of Project Report if you are a previous VACMA recipient.
Part-time students can apply, but you must:
- Provide evidence of your part-time status.
- Confirm the activity you are applying for does not contribute toward your academic studies.
How to apply
1. Please read the guidelines produced by Creative Scotland, which out line the fund's criteria and eligibility in more detail. Below you will find links to different formats:
BSL Video Version of the Guidance (Vimeo)
2. For application to Highland, Moray or Na h-Eileanan Siar we ask that you complete this online form.
Along with your application form you will be asked to submit:
- Your CV
- 6 examples of recent work.
- An Equalities Monitoring Form.
Access Support to Make an Application
Easy Read Part A - Guidance (PDF)
Easy Read Part B - Application questions (PDF)
Easy Read Part C - Common questions (PDF)
Easy Read Part D - Writing A CV (PDF)
Creative Scotland can help cover the cost of services that support you in applying for funding. Access support is available to individuals—or the lead applicant of a group— who are defined as disabled under the Equality Act 2010, such as:
- d/Deaf or hard of hearing
- Disabled
- Living with a chronic or mental illness
- Neurodivergent (e.g. dyslexia, autism, ADHD)
To find out what support is available and how to request it, please visit the Access Support section on Creative Scotland’s website.
