Open call for artists residency in the Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms National Park Authority in partnership with Bothy Project are inviting Cairngorms based creatives to apply for a residency with the theme of exploring the National Park’s 2030 net zero climate ambitions.

The residency will take place from 14 April – 21 April 2025, with new work presented the following summer, the two successful applicants will spend seven days in a remote cottage on the beautiful Glen Tanar Estate. The successful applicants will each receive seven days research time and eight nights accommodation, a fee of £1750 inc VAT and support with travel costs. A production budget of £500 each is available to develop and realise your collaborative proposal. The residency will allow the creatives to draw inspiration from and connect with the environment around them, with the space to develop their projects.

Applications are welcome from practitioners in visual arts, craft and design, music, literature and performance. The two creatives may have experience of working together or can use this opportunity to do so for the first time. The project envisages the artists developing thoughts and ideas relevant to their own communities – these might be the same communities or different communities.

David Clyne, Head of Cairngorms 2030 at the Cairngorms National Park Authority said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for creatives within the National Park to create something that represents Cairngorms 2030 and its inspiration, “Dùthchas”, the deep-rooted connection between people and nature.”

Lesley Young, Director at Bothy Project, said: “Bothy Project’s work provides opportunities to encounter beauty, think clearly and understand that the climate emergency requires individual as well as collective ingenuity. Our ongoing partnership with the Cairngorms National Park Authority is a thrilling way to work and recognise the climate crises, but most importantly to find ways to act.”

Applications are open until Sunday 17 November at https://www.bothyproject.com/opportunities/cairngorms-2030-residency-2025/

The Community Arts and Culture project is supporting and funding this residency and is part of the wider Cairngorms 2030 programme, putting the power to tackle the climate and nature crisis in the hands of people who live, visit and work in the UK’s largest national park. Cairngorms 2030 is made possible through funding by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players.