Circus Associates 

Circus Artspace was established in March 2019 as an artist-run initiative with contemporary art and emergent artist support at its core (see our About us page).  

Circus Associates started as a development programme for 30 visual arts graduates over the course of 10 months in 2021/22 with participants from Highlands, Moray, Orkney and Perthshire. Aimed at supporting them to develop the confidence and critical skills needed to thrive within the visual arts, bridging the gap for recent graduates and emerging artists between their visual art training and a freelance career within the sector. We built a community of practice, in the face of Covid-19 and increased isolation, and opened new opportunities for recent graduates across the region. The programme was structured to encourage dialogue with peers and help to navigate career pathways.

We are delighted to be able to continue our Circus Associates programme in 2024/25 thanks to funding from the Create:Networks fund which is managed and delivered by Scotland’s Creative Networks, led by Creative Dundee, with support from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland.

One of the conditions of applying for this programme is your availability to attend all sessions as follows:

• November, Saturday and Sunday 23/24th.  First face-to-face weekend, Inverness.

• December, Thursday 12th 6.30-8.30pm. Online social (this session is optional).

• January, Thursday 23rd 6.30-8.30pm. Online session.

• February, Thursday 20th 6.30-8.30pm. Online session.

• March, Saturday and Sunday 15/16th. Face-to-face weekend and whole network meeting, location TBC.

• April, Thursday 24th 6.30-8.30pm. Online session.

• May, Thursday 22nd 6.30-8.30pm. Online session.

• June, Thursday 19th 6.30-8.30pm. Online session.

• July, Saturday and Sunday 19/20th. Final face-to-face session and whole network meeting, location TBC.

• August, Thursday 21sth 6.30-8.30pm. Final online session.

• This opportunity is open for contemporary visual art practitioners who are emergent in their practice - applicants must be within 4 years of having graduated from an art school degree (graduating in 2021 / 2022 / 2023 / 2024) or can demonstrate 4 years or less of emergent practice. 

• You must be able to attend all of the sessions as detailed above. This will be a small cohort of 8 artists, and there is a large emphasis on peer learning and support and collaborative practice as such, attendance is essential to ensure the group is successful both individually and as a coherent cohort.

• You must be based in the Highland region as defined by the local council area.

Complete the online form below - you will be asked to include the following:

• A statement that outlines your contemporary visual art practice and an aspect of your practice you would like to explore and share within programme. (200 words max)

• A statement that responds to the following questions - What is missing in the Highlands for emergent visual art practitioners? What could this network do to address this lack? What can you offer to your peers and a wider network of contemporary visual artists? (200 words max)

• An artistic CV.

• Up to 5 examples of work as images that show your creative practice, or video/moving image as appropriate.

Your application will also be assessed based on your artistic interests and how you demonstrate that this opportunity will support your specific artistic and professional development needs. In the interests of fostering a diverse network we are looking to recruit from all areas of the Highland region and may prioritise this aspect within our selection.

Where possible unsuccessful applications will be offered feedback via email.

Finally we want to promote equal opportunities for all. If you are facing any barriers or have additional access needs which stop you from applying please get in touch, via email, to discuss them well before the deadline. 

For all application queries please email: hello@circus.scot

Please be aware the Circus Artspace committee all work on a voluntary basis, as such it may take a few days to respond to enquiries, please be patient.