Name of organisation:

Visual Arts Scotland

Can you tell us a little bit about your organisation?

Visual Arts Scotland (VAS) is a leading platform for national and international contemporary artists. The society was originally founded in 1924 as an organisation for women artists and since the 1980s has championed craftspeople, makers, designers, and applied arts practitioners. Today, our membership comprises fine and applied artists, celebrating the best in innovative contemporary visual arts. The conversation between disciplines, to encourage challenging and ambitious ideas, is at the heart of Visual Arts Scotland’s mission.

Picture Copyright Chris Watt

What makes your open call different from others in previous years (or from others in this space)?

This open call is unique as it kicks off a year of celebrating 100 Years of VAS (Visual Arts Scotland). It is 100 years since the organisation was founded (1924) and we’re keen to get as many artists involved in the Centenary Show as possible. The Centenary Show will take place at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh, a historical exhibition space that VAS has used often throughout its years. The RSA is also a stone’s throw away from the very room in which the first VAS meeting was held in 1924.

Picture Copyright Chris Watt

Is there a particular type of artist you would like to encourage to enter your calls?  Why do you think this is important?

For the VAS Centenary Show 2024, we are inviting applications from members and non-members in painting, printmaking, photography, drawing, sculpture, textiles, woodwork, furniture, glass, large works, moving image, installation, performance and jewellery.

As ever, our exhibition looks to celebrate contemporary fine art alongside applied arts and design disciplines; the crossover of this relationship being central to our message of inclusivity and celebrating the range of creative practices.

Are there any entry restrictions? (geographic, media etc)

There are no restrictions geographically although we do expect artists to find their own means of delivering their work to the RSA (key dates are available on our application) so these logistics are worth thinking about when you apply. In terms of media, we accept painting, printmaking, photography, drawing, sculpture, textiles, woodwork, furniture, glass, large works, moving image, installation, performance, and jewellery. We always aim to be inclusive so if you have any queries in regards to your artwork or its ‘suitability’ please do get in touch by emailing us at submissionsvas@gmail.com

What are your top tips for artists submitting to this open call?

We have no MUSTS or NOS NOS but it’s worth reading our application thoroughly and ensuring that you have read the terms and conditions.

Open Call Details

The deadline for this open call has been extended to 29 September 2023

Apply via this link

Location of exhibition: Royal Scottish Academy Upper Galleries, The Mound, Edinburgh

Key Dates

  • Open For Entry: Friday 11th August 2023
  • Entry Deadline:EXTENDED! Friday 29th September 2023, 5pm
  • Selection Notification: From Monday 23rd October 2023 – please log back into your OESS account for your results – they will not be emailed to you
  • Artwork Delivery: Saturday 10th February 2024, 1.30-5pm
  • Large artwork delivery: Saturday 10th Feb 1pm-3pm
  • Exhibition Open To Public: Saturday 17th February 2024, 10-5pm daily
  • Collection of unsold work: Saturday 16th March 2024, 10-4pm