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Applications Open for Prestigious Jon Schueler Scholarship at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig

A unique opportunity for visual artists to engage deeply with the Scottish landscape and Gaelic culture while advancing artistic practice in a setting of profound natural beauty.

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Scotland’s national centre for Gaelic language and culture, has announced that applications are now open for the Jon Schueler Scholarship, a fully funded three-month residency for professional visual artists. The deadline to apply is Friday 14 November 2025 at 5pm GMT, with the residency scheduled for summer 2026.

Established in memory of renowned abstract expressionist Jon Schueler (1916–1992), whose work was deeply inspired by the dramatic landscapes of the Sound of Sleat, on the Isle of Skye, the scholarship offers artists a chance to immerse themselves in the same environment that shaped Schueler’s vision. The residency includes:

£8,000 award
Studio space and accommodation
Travel and materials budget
Public exhibition or presentation of work

Artists from Scotland and around the world are encouraged to apply, regardless of Gaelic language proficiency. The residency is hosted at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s coastal campus on the Isle of Skye, offering breathtaking views and a tranquil setting ideal for creative exploration.

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is a constituent college of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), located on the Sleat peninsula. Founded in 1973, it is the only institution in the world that delivers all its higher education through the medium of Scottish Gaelic. The college plays a vital role in the preservation and promotion of Gaelic language and culture, offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Gaelic studies, media, and the arts.

Beyond academics, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is a hub for cultural activity, hosting residencies, festivals, and research initiatives. Its commitment to fostering artistic excellence and cultural heritage makes it an ideal partner for the Jon Schueler Scholarship.

The scholarship is supported by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and the Jon Schueler Charitable Trust, and is open to applicants internationally. Artists working at the forefront of contemporary practice who seek a period of research, development, and production in a unique and inspiring environment are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Full application details are available on the Sabhal Mòr Ostaig website: Jon Schueler Scholarship (https://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/jon-schueler-scholarship/?lang=en)

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