Grant

Creative Pathways Bursary

Som­er­set Art Works are award­ing Cre­ative Path­ways Bur­saries to four ear­ly career artists in Somerset.

Somerset Art Works Creative Pathways Bursary is a professional development programme that aims to provide tailor-made support for our artist members to develop their practice and deliver exciting new work. Since 2011 more than 50 artists have participated in the programme, and we're committed to continuing this vital creative support for makers of all ages in the early stages of their career.

This year, we will be awarding bursaries to 4 Somerset-based artists aged between 18-30 OR in the early stages of their career to demonstrate their developing practices and engage with audiences during our Somerset Open Studios event (13th - 28th September 2025), and welcome applications from artists and makers working in all disciplines.

The selected artists will receive the following:

- Free participation in Somerset Open Studios 2025
- £500 to cover training, materials, and production costs for Open Studios events and exhibitions
- Additional external mentoring if appropriate
- 10 hours peer review/learning programme
- 5 hours advice and support with artistic development and marketing

The programme aims to provide a 'head-start' for artists in the early stages of their career, and strongly welcome applications from artists and makers of all backgrounds and creative disciplines. As an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation we are particularly looking for applications from artists directly responding to, or exploring Environmental Responsibility, in line with our sustainability principles.

Head to https://somersetartworks.org.uk/artistdevelopment/creativepathways/ to read the bursary brief and complete the online application form.