A “VITAL” stepping stone for artists has been announced with the creation of a new programme at Edinburgh Printmakers, one of the largest printmaking studios in Europe.
Funded by the Jerwood Foundation, six artists will be awarded a residency bursary and a year-long membership to the studio.
The successful applicants will be mentored by Robert Powell, Edinburgh Printmakers’ intaglio technician and supported by the wider team of expert printmakers and print technicians. Accommodation for artists will be provided at Edinburgh Printmakers’ onsite artists’ flat.
Taking place over two years, the six artists will see their work exhibited as part of a folio for the Jerwood Collection and the Edinburgh Printmakers Permanent Collection. This will feature as part of Edinburgh Printmakers’ 60th birthday celebration in June 2027.
The artists will also have the opportunity to research etchings from the print collections at the National Galleries of Scotland and the University of Edinburgh’s Centre for Research Collections, as well as view prints from the Jerwood Collection online.
Running alongside the residency, selected works from the Jerwood Collection will be exhibited at Edinburgh Printmakers in 2025. These works will include prints by Ben Nicholson, Edward Bawden, Rose Wylie, Bridget Riley and Ceri Richards among others.
Edinburgh Printmakers CEO Janet Archer said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Jerwood Foundation to host these new residencies for early career artists working in printmaking.
“The holistic nature of the bursary support and professional development opportunities that run alongside have been designed to act as a vital stepping stone for artists already working in intaglio and etching.
“With two strands for artists with a minimum of three year’s experience and those with more than five years, we hope these residencies will give the successful artists the confidence and support to explore new possibilities for their work.”
She added: “While the wider funding landscape in Scotland remains uncertain, Edinburgh Printmakers is committed to working closely with partners such as Jerwood Foundation to provide opportunities like this to support artists.
“These residencies allow the organisation to deliver on our promise to recognise and respond to artists at different stages in their careers, and we value diversity as a driver for artistic excellence and creative risk-taking.
“As one of the largest printmaking studios in Europe, Edinburgh Printmakers has become a destination for printmakers from around the world.
“The extensive facilities are underpinned by a talented studio team and a generous community of members.”
Applications are now open for the funded residencies.
