Frequently Asked Questions
I have received other support from ESW before, can I still apply for this opportunity?
Yes, unless you have received a Ceramic Sculpture Bursary or a Funded Residency.
I live elsewhere but would be willing to commute to Edinburgh for the Bursary commitments, can I apply?
No, this Bursary is designed for people based in Edinburgh so that there can be an ongoing connection and make the logistics easier.
I have a lot of other commitments that take up my time, can I still apply for the Bursary?
We want the Bursaries to go to people who will take the opportunity seriously and make the most of the support that is offered including using the Studio Space because it is a precious resource. We realise that people have work and caring responsibilities though. There is one shared working day each week, which will be scheduled in advance and the programmed activity will take place on that day. It will be a week day (not a weekend day). We would expect you to be at ESW at other times of the week too, at times that suit your schedule.
When can I access the studio space?
You will be allocated space in a shared studio and access is 24/7 but, as with all Studio Holders, we go through a process of Building and Security Inductions in order to make sure that you are confident and competent in using the alarm system alone. Staff members will take you through this process. Staff can give access Tuesday – Saturday 9.30am – 5pm otherwise.
I wouldn’t be able to come to ESW on the scheduled one day a week shared working day, can I still apply?
No, this is an essential part of the opportunity.
I don’t have a degree, can I still apply?
Yes, you don’t need to have formal qualifications in order to apply.
I am younger than 18, can I apply?If you are younger than 18 you can’t apply for this opportunity but we are interested in running other youth activities so you are welcome to get in touch telling us what would be useful for you.
I am older than 24, can I apply?
If you are older than 24 you can only apply if you are a young person whose progress has been curtailed in the way we describe in the information in the open call. We have a broad range of ages working at ESW and you might find that you are able to come to use our facilities in other ways. You can read more about becoming a member and our activity on the website
Who can I ask if I have more questions about making the application or to get more support?
Please contact Dan Brown dan@edinburghsculpture.org or 0131 551 4490. ESW is closed for the winter holiday from 18 December to 6 January so please ask questions before that otherwise Dan will reply from 7 January 2022.
Can I show you a draft of my application in advance of the deadline?
ESW staff won’t be able to look at draft applications but it is a good idea for you to ask someone that you know to look at the instructions and your application with you so you can get a second opinion. If any of the instructions are not clear, just email us or phone so we can explain, then we can add any additional useful information to this FAQ list.
I want to make an audio or video file, how can I share that with you?
A link to the video or audio online would be easiest but if you have another way to send it that’s ok too. Please plan this in advance so that it doesn’t cause last minute technical problems near the deadline.
I don’t have a computer but think I need one for the application, can you help?
You can submit the application on paper if you want to but we imagine that most people will make the application using their phone, tablet or computer. You might be able to access a computer through one of our partners (if someone suggests the opportunity to you, they may be able to help) or you can contact us for help. We can give access to a Mac to work on images or writing with, an iPad or audio recorders on site (please note holiday times above).
I am busy on the day of the deadline, will you accept late entries?
No, we will only consider applications made before the deadline – you can send your application any time before that and we welcome early applications
How will you decide who gets the Bursaries?
ESW staff will work with young artists who know the organisation to review all the applications. We will be paying attention to your work and how the Bursary will benefit you and help you develop at this stage. We will make a shortlist of people to invite to come to ESW to meet us. After the meetings we will choose the final four people.
How will I know the outcome of the selection process?
We will contact all applicants by email whether they are chosen or not to tell them the outcome.
If I am not successful, will you give me feedback on my application?
Yes, we can provide brief feedback on your application – just ask us. We realise that it takes time to prepare the application and that it can be disappointing to not be chosen.