Opportunity for Associate Artists at the Barn
Applications are now welcome for our new Associate Artist Programme at the Barn. Two opportunities are now available with a view to nurture artists at different stages of their creative journey, recognising that artistic development takes many forms.
At the Barn, we believe artists thrive when they have time, space and opportunity to explore creativity without the pressure of producing a final outcome. Rooted in the Barn's values of Creativity, Community and Nature, the programme supports artists to develop their practice whilst contributing to the creative life of the Barn and the communities we work alongside. By investing in artists, we invest in creativity, community and the cultural life of Aberdeenshire and the wider North East of Scotland.
Rather than commissioning a specific piece of work, we seek to build meaningful relationships with artists, providing time, support, space and opportunities for experimentation, reflection and professional growth. The programme offers two Associate Artist opportunities; The Creative Collective Associate Artist, and The Associate Emerging Artist.
The Creative Collective Associate Artist
Building on the legacy of The Far Orchard, a longstanding participatory arts project at the Barn, The Creative Collective seeks to support an artist to develop their practice.
In line with the Barn’s values, we are looking for an artist who sees nature as a creative partner, with an interest in how creativity grows through community, seasonal rhythms and shared experiences.
The programme offers time and space to develop artistic practice whilst working alongside a small community of participants who enjoy creativity and connecting with nature. Working collaboratively with the participants and the Barn team, the artist will share their practice and deliver activities in line with the aims of the project.
Artists with an interest or experience in ecology, environmental practice, growing, food systems or place-based creativity are particularly encouraged to apply.
The artists fee will be £2,400 with additional travel and material expenses.
Associate Emerging Artist at the Barn
We recognise that artists at the beginning of their careers often need simple but invaluable resources: time, encouragement, mentoring and opportunities to develop ideas without the pressure of producing a finished outcome. Our Associate Artist programme for emerging artists provides space to explore artistic practice, build confidence, expand professional networks, and establish a relationship with the Barn.
Priority will be given to artists interested in developing their work within community and rural contexts.
The artists fee will be £1,700 with additional travel expenses.
Who can apply?
These opportunities are open to artists living or working in Aberdeenshire or the wider North East of Scotland in any of the following artistic practices:
Visual Arts, Craft, Dance, Theatre, Music, Literature, Film, Interdisciplinary Practice, Participatory Arts, and Community Arts.
Applications from artist collectives are welcome where appropriate.
Programme Timeline
Applications Open - 2nd of October 2026
Application Deadline - 26th of October 2026
Informal Conversations with Shortlisted Applicants - 4th, 5th & 6th November 2026
Successful Associate Artists Announced - Saturday 5th December 2026
Planning & Introductions - December 2026 – January 2027
Programme - January 2027 to December 2027
Interested in applying?
To apply for either opportunity, please submit:
Your CV
A short statement (maximum two A4 pages) explaining:
- why you are interested in becoming a Barn Associate Artist;
- how your practice connects with the Associate Artist opportunity you are applying for;
- what you hope to explore during the programme.
Applications should be sent to Giulia Montalbano, Artistic Director g.director@thebarnarts.co.uk, with either subject line:
"Application – The Creative Collective Associate Artist at the Barn"
"Application – Associate Emerging Artist at the Barn"
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
The Barn is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from artists of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the application or selection process, please let us know. We are committed to making the programme and recruitment process as accessible as possible.
