As the Scottish Contemporary Collective continues to grow, we are preparing for one of the most exciting phases of the programme: the first artist residency at Tighnabruaich Gallery.
For at least eight weeks, from May to July 2025, the four emerging artists of the Collective—Eva Hewitt, Innes MacLellan, Vlada Popescu, and Kirstin Mackinnon—will take up residence in Tighnabruaich, immersing themselves in their practice in preparation for the grand reopening of the gallery on 26 July 2025.
This residency is an opportunity for these artists to work without financial pressure, focus solely on their creative development, and experience life as full-time artists—something many early-career artists struggle to achieve due to financial constraints.
A Residency Designed for Artistic Growth
For the Scottish Contemporary Collective’s first cohort, this residency is not just about creating new work—it is about establishing a professional rhythm, refining their artistic voices, and experiencing the realities of full-time practice.
The experience will provide:
- Uninterrupted time to create – The residency allows the artists to step away from daily distractions and work in a dedicated creative space.
- Inspiration from the landscape – Tighnabruaich, set on Argyll’s Secret Coast, offers ever-changing seascapes, dramatic skies, and a deep sense of place, making it an incredible setting for artistic exploration.
- Accommodation & Living Costs Covered – To ensure that the artists can fully focus on their work, accommodation will be provided free of charge, with the artists staying in my home for the duration of the residency. Living costs for essentials, such as food, will also be covered, removing the immediate financial barriers that so often prevent artists from taking part in opportunities like this.
- Mentor Guidance & Professional Feedback – While the residency is a period of independent work, artists will receive online feedback from mentors Ade Adesina, Dale Bissland, Denise Findlay, and Lewis MacKenzie, with a couple of in-person visits over the eight-week period. This balance of autonomy and structured guidance will allow them to push their practice forward while developing confidence in their decision-making.
Why Residencies Matter for Emerging Artists
Residencies like this are critical in bridging the gap between art school and a professional career. Many graduates struggle to find time, space, and financial support to truly develop their practice once they leave the structure of education. Without a financial safety net, the majority of early-career artists are forced to take unrelated work just to survive, making it difficult to sustain momentum and progress creatively.
At the Scottish Contemporary Collective, we believe in removing these barriers. This residency ensures that each artist has:
- A period of concentrated studio time to develop their ideas without external pressures.
- A dedicated exhibition space where their work will be presented professionally.
- Support for essentials, ensuring they can focus on their art rather than financial survival.
However, while we are covering accommodation and basic living costs, we recognise that a true bursary—offering artists financial support for personal expenses, travel, and materials—would transform this opportunity into a fully funded experience.
The Residency Experience: A Look at What’s Ahead
The eight-week residency will include a structured but flexible programme, balancing creative freedom with professional development.
Studio Time & Creative Exploration
Each artist will be given dedicated time and space to develop their practice. They will have access to studio areas within the gallery and the surrounding landscape, using the residency to explore new ideas, materials, and techniques.
Mentor Check-Ins & Critiques
The residency will be enriched by online feedback from the core mentors, with a couple of in-person visits to provide guidance and critique. This ensures that while the artists are working independently, they still benefit from professional support.
Public Engagement & Open Studios
We believe that art should be accessible, and part of the residency will involve engagement with the public. This may include:
- Open studio days, where visitors can see work in progress.
- Artist talks, giving insight into their process.
- Live demonstrations or informal workshops, allowing the local community to engage with the artists.
Final Preparation for the Grand Reopening
As the residency draws to a close, the focus will shift toward finalising work for the exhibition. Artists will work closely with the gallery team to curate and install their work, ensuring that their vision is fully realised in the space.
How You Can Support Emerging Artists
While this pilot residency is already breaking new ground, we want to go further. A key goal for the Scottish Contemporary Collective is to provide full bursaries to cover material costs and financial stipends, allowing artists to dedicate themselves fully to their practice without financial worry.
This is where patrons and sponsors can make a real difference.
By supporting the residency programme, you will:
- Provide direct financial support to an emerging artist, ensuring they have everything they need to make the most of this opportunity.
- Play a vital role in shaping the next generation of contemporary Scottish artists, giving them the time and resources to develop their work to its fullest potential.
- Become part of a lasting legacy, where your support helps build a sustainable model for artist development and representation in Scotland.
If you are interested in sponsoring an artist residency or becoming a patron, we would love to discuss how you can be part of this transformative initiative.
Get in Touch – Email us at hello@tiggallery.co.uk to explore patron and sponsorship opportunities.
Looking Forward: A Residency with a Lasting Impact
This residency is not just about producing a single exhibition—it is about laying the foundation for long-term artistic careers.
Each of the four artists will leave Tighnabruaich with:
- A stronger body of work that reflects a pivotal period in their practice.
- Valuable mentorship and critique from established artists.
- A professional exhibition in a contemporary gallery setting.
- The experience of working within a gallery ecosystem, preparing them for future opportunities.
And for Tighnabruaich Gallery, this residency is the first of many. The Scottish Contemporary Collective’s three-year pilot programme aims to build a sustainable model for artist development, ensuring that each new cohort benefits from structured mentorship, dedicated residencies, and long-term gallery support.
Join Us on This Journey
As we prepare for this transformative residency, we invite you to follow the artists’ progress and be part of this exciting new chapter in Scottish contemporary art.
- Visit the Gallery – The work produced during the residency will be exhibited at Tighnabruaich Gallery’s grand reopening on 26 July 2025.
- Join Our Mailing List – Stay updated on artist insights, behind-the-scenes updates, and exclusive previews.
- Support the Collective – Your support helps fund mentorship, residencies, and sustainable opportunities for emerging artists.
The Scottish Contemporary Collective Residency at Tighnabruaich Gallery is more than an opportunity—it is a statement of intent. It is a commitment to redefining how we support artists in Scotland, ensuring that the next generation thrives, creates, and leaves a lasting impact.