Visual Arts Scotland Linkshouse Residency
May 2026 – Birsay, Orkney
Visual Arts Scotland (VAS) is delighted to announce a fifth month-long funded residency partnership with the Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Trust, the third with Linkshouse, Part of the Pier Arts Centre Orkney.
The residency will offer a VAS member the opportunity to spend a month at Linkshouse Residency space in Birsay, Orkney, KW17 2LX in May 2026 to develop their ideas and practice.
Information
Open for applications: 10th February 2026
Deadline: Sunday 15th March 17:00 2026
The residency will take place from 1 – 31st May 2026 and includes:
Accommodation and studio space for the duration of the residency. Please note that there may be other artists in residence in the accommodation at the time of the residency
An artist fee of £2200 will be provided to participants. This will be paid on receipt of an invoice to VAS on the first day of the residency.
Travel costs up to £250 to and from the residency venue (additional travel whilst in residence is not included). Travel to be organised by the artist and an invoice and receipts provided to VAS, who will then reimburse.
Artists will be supported by a liaison from VAS and have on-site support whilst in residence.
The selected artist will have an opportunity to exhibit work at a subsequent VAS exhibition, but delivery and collection of work will be the responsibility of the artist.
Our Partners
The Wilhelmina Barns-Graham Trust was set up by the Scottish Artist in 1987 and exists to enhance her reputation as one of Britain’s most significant 20th Century artists. Her legacy supports young people and individuals to fulfil their potential as visual artists. https://barns-grahamtrust.org.uk/
The Pier Arts centre is based in Stromness on the Island of Orkney. The residency space, Linkshouse, is in a substantial converted Edwardian house in the historic village of Palace, Birsay, on the Northwest Corner of Orkney’s mainland. It is a dedicated space for artists residences and local creativity, supporting artist organisations, communities, and individuals to create and enjoy art. Set in a stunning location the space has accommodation and a workshop space for individual or dual use. Linkshouse Orkney Arts Residency
Eligibility
Applicants must be a Visual Arts Scotland Member at the time of applying and whilst on the residency. If you are not a VAS member you can become a member before the open call deadline and be eligible to apply. To join VAS please click here http://www.visualartsscotland.org/membership
This open call is open to all artists and makers, however for this residency preference is given to those working in painting, drawing and printmaking. If you have any questions please contact admin@visualartsscotland.org, and we will be happy to advise.
We are looking for applying artists to explain what benefit they would get from the residency and being in a different location; in particular, how a sense of place can affect, inform and potentially develop their practice. As such, we are particularly interested in proposals that relate specifically to an aspect of place/landscape. We do not expect you to have visited the Island, but we would like to see evidence that you have undertaken research. Final selection will be undertaken by representatives from VAS, Wilhelmina Barns Graham Trust and Pier Arts Centre.
TO APPLY: Send an email application letter in PDF format to admin@visualartsscotland.org, with the subject: LINKSHOUSE RESIDENCY APPLICATION 2026, and clearly title all documents with your name. Please ensure that any images are on the same document and are not separate files. We are happy to accept links to films or other media.
Outcomes
There is no expectation for the selected artists to create a body of work whilst on residency. Rather, we seek to provide space for them to reflect on their practice, test ideas and engage with the environment and location.
VAS would like the successful applicant to undertake a VAS Instagram takeover for part of the residency, and later report on their experience and its impact on their practice either through writing a blog, and/or by participating in an online discussion facilitated by VAS. We are open to ideas about other ways you may wish to document or showcase your time whilst in residence, and our communications team will be happy to support you.
Successful applicants should document their residency visually, through photographs, and share these with VAS for further promotion of the residency programme and further development of the project. The successful applicant will be required to complete a feedback form following the residency.
Please answer the following points within the application:
Name. Address. Email. Telephone Number Links to your website/social media (at your discretion)
Emergency Contact Number (in the event you are successful, this is used for emergencies only during the residency)
Current artist statement (200 words).
Why would you like this opportunity? (200 words).
Is there a specific project or idea that you will be developing during the residency? (200 words)
Outline how you think the residency will inform or impact your practice. (200 words).
How would you document and share your experiences? (150 words).
Please also include 6 images of recent work (last three years).
Please state your preferred way to travel – using your own car, train or bus.
If you have any questions or require support please contact, admin@visualartsscotland.org and we will do our best to accommodate you.
TO APPLY: Only applications in a single PDF format will be accepted, please do not send separate images or word files. Please only apply if you are able to undertake the residency during the advertised dates. The selection panel will include representatives from Visual Arts Scotland, Wilhelmina Barns Graham Trust and Pier Arts Centre. All applications will be scored under the same criteria: quality of practice, strength of application, impact on practice and approach to documentation.
Applicants will be informed of the results of their application by the end of March 2026
