Luminate and the Baring Foundation will support 12 recipients over 50.
A charity supporting ageing artists across Scotland has announced the recipients of its latest round of bursaries, awarded to older artists working in Scotland, thanks to support from the Baring Foundation.
Luminate’s 12 successful recipients are all aged over 50 and in the early stages of a new artistic career.
Some are forging entirely new careers across different artforms including dance, playwriting, visual arts, printmaking, ceramics and jewellery making, while others have practised different art forms throughout their lives and are now looking to reshape their practice and move in a different direction.
Luminate is a creative ageing organisation which aims to ensure that older people in Scotland have the opportunity to take part in creative activities, regardless of their circumstances.
These awards of between £500 and £1,000 are fully funded by the Baring Foundation and each recipient has eight months to complete the work outlined in their proposal.
The Baring Foundation works to improve the lives of those experiencing disadvantage and discrimination, and they were a founding partner of Luminate.
Anne Gallacher, director of Luminate said: “The breadth and quality of the applications we received this year was really inspiring. They came from all over the country, and from artists working in all artforms.
“It was a clear indication that older artists who are embarking on a new creative career – or who are seeking to make a significant change to their practice in their later years - really value the opportunity of support that they can tailor to their own needs.
“We look forward to supporting these artists to take their next steps and seeing how their practice develops over the coming months.”
The successful recipients include award-winning singer Christine Kydd who will work with artists from different artform specialisms to develop new theatre and audio-visual skills.
Liz Bertram-Gossan is a self-taught ceramicist who bought a kiln five years ago and is looking to develop her skills in creating original ceramic glazes. The bursary will enable her to attend a course at the Scottish Sculpture Workshop and to have some individual mentoring to support her ceramic skills.
Choreographer Gail Sneddon who will be mentored to support her transition from working with organisations to being an independent dance artist in her 50s.
Artist and painter Pete Carthy, whose practice includes daily nature journaling in watercolour, who is looking to develop his work to include botanical art and landscapes through mentor support.
Other successful artists include ceramicist Vicki Fleck, playwrights Jennifer Kennedy and Jo Lennie, screenwriter Helen Welsh, printmakers Elizabeth McNeill and Lorna Campbell, and jeweller Elena Petal.
David Cutler, director of The Baring Foundation, said: “It is a real pleasure to be able to support these bursaries that are one more way of showing that creativity is an essential part of life at any age.
“Luminate is a pioneer in creative ageing both in the UK and internationally and the Baring Foundation is proud to have been part of this impressive journey.”
