Opportunities

Visual Arts Scotland are delighted to be exhibiting once more in the Upper Galleries of the RSA building in Edinburgh in January 2027. The exhibition is a continuation of the longest-running visual art and contemporary craft exhibition that is delivered in partnership with the Exhibiting Societies of Scottish Artists (ESSA). The exhibition provides a platform for contemporary creators in Scotland and beyond.

Visual Arts Scotland (VAS) presents The Whole and The Hole, a new exhibition of moving image works exploring the void of the hole. Opening this October at Dalkeith Palace, the exhibition offers an opportunity for moving image artists and film-makers to show their work.

Visual Arts Scotland SCIO (VAS) invites invites you to apply for our second Artist & Maker Market, taking place this October at the iconic Dalkeith Palace and Country Park. Reach hundreds of visitors in a stunning historic venue just outside Edinburgh. Connect with a vibrant, curated community of Scotland’s best contemporary artists and makers. Showcase and sell your work in a supportive and professional environment. Whether you’re an emerging artist or an established maker, this is your chance to take part in a high-profile, curated market.

Visual Arts Scotland is delighted to announce our first partnership with Fidra Fine Art in a collaborative exhibition for VAS professional members.

Fidra Fine Art is a unique space in the beautiful village of Gullane, East Lothian, taking its name from the Bass rock’s neighbour, an uninhabited island off the town’s coast. Run by Alan Rae, it has a rolling exhibition programme of contemporary Scottish artists complemented by work from some of the most influential Scottish names of the last hundred years. VAS is delighted to be working with Fidra to offer this opportunity to professional members.

We are delighted to be able to offer our members 2 paid, 2 week residency spaces in partnership with Cove Park, a unique residency space in rural Scotland for artists and creative practitioners.

Cove Park sits on a 50 acre site on the shore of Loch Long, and has up to 10 artists in residence at any one time, with people traveling from all over the world to benefit from the magnificent surroundings, supportive creative community and purpose-built, award winning facilities.

We currently have 3 positions open to join our council and work with the VAS team to deliver our exciting programme of events.

Trustees and co-opt council members are not paid, however this is a wonderful opportunity to gain experience in the nuts and bolts of exhibitions and residencies, as well as having a voice in a team who are working hard to support the future of the visual arts in Scotland. The council meets online every 8 weeks, with smaller groups meeting more regularly to plan projects, select for exhibitions, or gather on site for the hands-on work required at exhibition venues.