Investing in Scotland’s Future Artists

Creative Scotland has announced the latest round of National Lottery and Scottish Government backed Open Fund awards, distributing £847,994 to artists and organisations across Scotland.

Behind the scenes from Out of Office at Too Happy Studios, courtesy of Too Happy Studios.

The Too Happy Artist Moving Image Commission returns for its second year, offering an exceptional opportunity for an early-career video artist based in Scotland. The programme enables the creation of a new single-screen moving image work, which will premiere at the Glasgow Short Film Festival in March 2026.

Developed by artist Rachel Maclean and delivered through Too Happy Studios, this initiative is designed to support emerging artists at a pivotal stage in their career. The selected artist will receive a production budget and an artist fee, as well as access to a bespoke production facility and mentorship from an experienced team including Maclean and award-winning production company Forest of Black.

The commission prioritises artist-led production and cross-sector collaboration, offering early-career artists a pathway to engage with both the visual art and screen industries. Alongside the final film, the artist will receive tailored professional development, including festival strategy and industry networking support.

“Our model creates a space where early-career artists can take creative risks, gain industry insight, and develop meaningful professional connections,” said Rachel Maclean, Artistic Director. “Support from the Open Fund has enabled us to deliver a commissioning structure that links ambitious new work with public presentation and industry access.”

Partners for the 2025/26 commission include Forest of Black, Glasgow Short Film Festival, Film and Video Umbrella, and City of Glasgow College. Applications are now open and close on Tuesday 6 May at 12 noon. Full details on how to apply are available at www.toohappystudios.com/commission.

Elsewhere, Variations Scotland continues its long-standing commitment to supporting amateur musicians through its annual chamber music course in Ullapool. Taking place each July, the course brings together over 50 participants to work with tutors from the Edinburgh Quartet, professional woodwind players, and students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. A key feature of the week is the opportunity for participants to perform alongside professionals in an “Apprentice” session, offering hands-on experience in chamber ensemble settings.

The course also includes two public concerts, the only regular classical chamber music events in the North West Highlands. They are a valued art of the local cultural calendar, offering access to high quality live music for both residents and visitors, while enriching the learning experience for participants. The 2025 programme will mark the 20th year of this initiative, with concerts held on 19 and 23 July at the MacPhail Centre in Ullapool.

These awards are just some of the 45 individual grants made to writers, musicians, theatre makers and other creative practitioners across Scotland, supporting a wide range of impactful projects, including:

• The highly anticipated second album from jazz outfit Mama Terra.
• A new 2D collage and 3D sculptural costume work titled “The Transformative Power of Costume” from artist Jessica Worrall.
• The 10-day classical music festival, Music at Paxton, which takes place in the Scottish Borders. The programme showcases internationally renowned musicians, exciting emerging performers and burgeoning British talent.
• Bute Noir, a three-day literature festival in Rothesay celebrating the crime fiction genre.
• Vision Mechanics, led by Kim Bergsagel and Symon Mcintyre, Scotland’s last remaining marionette puppeteers, will present The Magnificent Miniature Marionette Circus, based on Edwardian-era travelling shows.

Paul Burns, Interim Director of Arts at Creative Scotland said: “Supporting emerging talent across a wide range of creative practices is essential to the continued growth and vibrancy of Scotland’s cultural sector. By nurturing new voices and providing opportunities for early-career artists, we ensure that Scotland remains a dynamic and inclusive place for artistic innovation.”