Residencies in Cromarty
We welcome writers and artists of ALL media to come and stay with us in Cromarty. This little corner of the world is very special - it boasts stunning coastal scenery; beautiful buildings and architecture; is steeped in history; has award-winning eateries, shops and attractions; woodland walks and sandy beaches; a resident population of bottle-nosed dolphins plus seals, bird colonies, red kites and other wildlife; a small but incredibly friendly community with a vibrant, arty feel and constant programme of interesting events, gigs, talks, shows and markets happening year-round.
In a nutshell, it's a peaceful, tranquil and inspiring spot at any time of year - the perfect place for creative types to visit, whether it's to write the next chapter of a book, find motivation for your next exhibition, continue working on your works in a fresh, new environment or just because a change is as good as a holiday, or so the saying goes!
There are two ways a residency can work:
Self-funded Residency
As long as we have availability, you are welcome to come and stay at Ardyne, in the centre of the town, in a comfortable, en-suite room (with use of communal kitchen) at all times of year and we can provide you with free studio space. You can stay for as long or short a time as you wish and all we ask for is a statement relating to the focus of your intended residency and some details of your practice. For current rates, please click here, although at most times of the year, we can offer those coming for a fortnight or longer a reduction in cost from those listed.
If you are interested in coming to Cromarty on a self funded residency basis, please email info@cromartyartstrust.org.uk with a proposal and some examples or description of your practice or tel 01381 600354.
In-kind Funded Residency
As above, but we offer your accommodation free of charge in return for you running some pre-arranged workshops or events that will bring in income to the Trust, whilst encouraging you to engage with the local community and pass on your skills to others. We would only be able to offer you this kind of residency during the winter months when our accommodation is not at a premium, i.e. October - March, and only if no other residencies, e.g. Student Prize or RSA, are in operation.
We regret we are unable to offer you a fee or assistance with expenses. Whilst we are happy to offer the in-kind support of free accommodation and studio space, we aren't currently in a position to help out financially so artists should be able to fund their living, transport and material costs whilst here.
The in-kind places have been allocated for 2023/24. If you would like to apply for an in-kind residency for winter 2025, please download, complete and return this form to info@cromartyartstrustorg.uk. The descion will be made by 30 May 2024 and due to the level of appliations we receive, only successful candidates will be contacted. The in-kind option is extremely popular and we are inundated with requests so apologies in advance if you are unsuccessful. We accept residencies at our discretion and the final decision should be respected by applying artists.
THE RESIDENCY HISTORY
The Cromarty Arts Trust’s first resident artist was silversmith Michael Murray. He was a master silversmith and over his long career he made commissions for Coventry and Guildford Cathedrals and Westminster Abbey. He loved teaching, and demonstrating how with nothing more than a log and a hammer, anything from discs of silver to old saucepan lids could be beaten into bowls, animals or dolphins. As an artist in residence in Cromarty in 1995 and ‘96 his door was always open for passers-by to watch or pick up a hammer.
In 2000 The Arts Trust commissioned Fiona Hutchison, tapestry artist to work with the children at the prizewinning Cromarty East Hall childcare centre. Fiona and the children collaborated to produce a stunning wall hanging.
To commemorate the bi-centenary of Hugh Miller’s birth in 2002 the Cromarty Arts Trust raised £18000 to commission the esteemed stone letter carver Richard Kindersley to carve a moving text written by Miller after having witnessed the Highland emigrants on the ships leaving Scotland for a new world. The stone now stands on the Links in Cromarty, and is a fitting and eloquent tribute to Hugh Miller, and a piece of public art of which the Trust is very proud.
We continue to invite both self-funded and in-kind residencies from artsits of any discipline.
