Local Artists Receive £10,500 Funding Boost
Live Borders Arts and Creativity have awarded over £10,500 to local artists and crafters in the South of Scotland through the Visual Arts and Craft Makers Award (VACMA). The annual awards are supported by Creative Scotland through funding from the National Lottery in partnership with Live Borders, Dumfries & Galloway Council, DG Unlimited and Upland.
Local Textile Artist Sheena Stone from Newstead was the recipient of an Early Career bursary of £500. The panel were impressed with the strength of Sheena’s application.
Sheena said, “I’ve always played with various arts and crafts from a child having grown up doing these things at home. Five years ago I decided that I wanted to formally learn more, so studied in my spare time for a City & Guilds Certificate and then Diploma in Patchwork and Quilting. From here I’ve developed more into an artist who specialises in textile, although I also work in mixed media.”
“I am inspired by the world around me both visual and virtual, and love to look for the details rather than the big picture. This ranges from abandoned surfaces to mental wellbeing and the role of women in society. The bursary will be a huge help in making the jump from being a student to becoming a practising artist. It will enable me to work towards my first solo exhibition – an art trail in the walled garden at Abbotsford. This will hopefully raise my profile as an artist, for example with galleries and collectors, and give me a whole host of experience in new things – from working in volume to create a trail, to publicising it, producing a catalogue and costing my work for sale. It’s genuinely a dream come true.
I was hugely surprised to be awarded the bursary. When applying I genuinely thought it would be very unlikely that I would be successful but thought it would be good practise to start making such applications even if I didn’t get one. I’d recommend others to have a go for sure – you never know what will happen as this has proved.”
Sheena now has 15 months to work towards her first solo exhibition at Abbotsford, the historic home of writer Sir Walter Scott, in May 2026.
Jason Moyes, Head of Arts & Creativity at Live Borders said:
“The Scottish Borders is bursting with creativity, and we are pleased to be able to support artists and craft makers to develop their practice. Sheena is the perfect example of how even a small grant of £500 can make a difference to a local artist, and we are excited to see what Sheena and the other recipients can achieve as a result of this award.
Sarah MacIntyre, Visual Arts Officer, Creative Scotland
“We’re delighted to support the Visual Arts and Craft Makers Award, which plays a vital role in nurturing artistic talent across Scotland. These awards help emerging and established artists alike to develop their practice, create new work, and reach wider audiences. It’s inspiring to see recipients like Sheena Stone taking steps toward their creative ambitions, and we look forward to seeing the impact her work will have in the community and beyond.”
If you think your work would benefit from a small grant, VACMA offers a £500 Early-Career Bursary is for artists and makers that have been practicing for less than 5 years, and a £1,000 Bursary is for artists and makers who have been practicing for over 5 years, regardless of whether they have gone through formal education or not.
Applications are now open for Round Two of the awards, the deadline is Tuesday 4th of February and further information can be found at www.liveborders.org.uk/arts-creativity/vacma
