Workshop Bursary 2025
Open Call
Gaada invites Shetland-based artists to apply for our annual Workshop Bursary.
This opportunity offers one-to-one support and access to facilities, helping artists overcome barriers to creative development in Shetland.
What the Bursary Offers
The bursary supports artists to explore new ways of working using Gaada’s Toogs Artist Workshop. It includes:
4 x 3-hour workshop sessions
One-to-one staff support to help you develop and/or realise your work
In-kind materials/production budget
Frame Work
The bursary includes:
4 sessions, each lasting 3 hours
Sessions are held on Tuesdays, 09:30–17:00
Recipients will be asked to write a short blog post about their experience (writing support available)

Chloe Tallack explored Letterpress overprinting analogue photographic prints
Suggested Approaches
We encourage you to enter the workshop with open-ended ideas and use the sessions to experiment and develop your work. Previous recipients have:
Created a short zine or artist book
Developed a body of new experimental work
Gained new skills in up to two processes (e.g. screen printing, etching, risography, linocut, letterpress, bookbinding)
Important Dates
Applications deadline: 3rd August 2025
All applicants notified: 15th August 2025
Successful recipient announced: September 2025
Bursary period ends: February 2026
Eligibility
Over 18 and living in Shetland.
You agree to the Framework (above) + Important Dates (outlined on the right).
No formal art experience is required
Need Help or Have Questions?
We’re happy to support you through the application process. Contact us via email or call us on 01595 859539.
How to Apply
Submit the shared bursary application form, which includes:
A short written statement about your interests and any barriers you're facing
Up to 5 images of your work
Apply by clicking the button below.
Past Bursaries
Here are links to previous Bursary related posts →
Becky shares her Bursary journey and how she came to terms with the idea that she is an Artist, in her own right.
For his 2022/23 Bursary, artist Stuart Thomson shares how he used the A.I. image generation tool, Dall-e, to produce a zine exploring text prompts and emerging images in the style of Harry Clarke.
Recent graduate + artist Elouise Spooner shares her experience producing a new risograph publication during her Gaada Workshop Bursary.
Artist Sammy Paloma set the 2022/23 Gaada Workshop Bursaries in motion, playfully exploring drawing, risograph and photopolymer etching during her sessions.
Gaada has awarded Elouise Spooner with a Workshop Bursary Award for her UHI Degree Show work.
Shetland artist Aimee Labourne gives us an insight into her recent VACMA project at Gaada.
Three artist editions produced in the Gaada workshop are part of a new exhibition at Sweden’s leading centre for design and crafts.
A new publication printed and bound by Shannon Leslie is now available to purchase through Gaada’s online shop
Shannon Leslie shares her process of creating new works in the Gaada Workshop as part of her 2020/21 Workshop Bursary.
Jennifer McLeaskintosh shares their creative process and experience as a 2020/21 Workshop Bursary recipient.
The next exhibition on Display is Git Ootside, Inner Bairn by Jennifer McLeaskintosh
30th July - 5th September