Organizer Information
The Federation of British Artists (FBA) at Mall Galleries is a leading UK-based arts organization dedicated to supporting excellence in contemporary figurative art and providing platforms for artists to exhibit, develop, and connect with wider audiences. Based in London, Mall Galleries is the home of the Federation of British Artists and presents exhibitions, competitions, and professional development opportunities for artists working across disciplines including painting, sculpture, printmaking, and drawing.
The Crinan Residency is presented by the Federation of British Artists at Mall Galleries in partnership with the Crinan Hotel, an award-winning coastal hotel located in Crinan, a historic fishing village on the west coast of Scotland, United Kingdom. The residency offers a newly graduated fine artist the opportunity to step away from everyday routines and dedicate focused time to artistic development within an inspiring natural environment.
The programme supports emerging artists through access to accommodation, studio space, financial assistance, professional visibility, and artistic resources. Set within a landscape known for its dramatic coastline, maritime heritage, and natural beauty, the residency encourages creative reflection, experimentation, and independent artistic practice.
Title & Description
Crinan Residency 2026 – Week-Long Residency for New Fine Art Graduates
The Crinan Residency 2026 invites newly graduated fine artists to apply for a one-week artistic residency in Crinan, a remote coastal village on the west coast of Scotland, United Kingdom.
Organized by the Federation of British Artists at Mall Galleries and the Crinan Hotel, the residency provides an emerging artist with dedicated time and space to develop their practice while being immersed in an inspiring natural and cultural environment.
The selected artist will stay at the award-winning Crinan Hotel for one week between September and October 2026. During the residency, the artist will receive complimentary accommodation, breakfast, access to studio space, professional support, and financial assistance toward travel and other expenses.
The programme is designed for artists who have recently completed a fine arts degree or alternative fine arts learning programme in the UK. It provides an opportunity for a new graduate to reflect on their artistic direction, explore new ideas, and create work in a peaceful environment away from conventional studio settings.
The residency welcomes artists working across a range of disciplines. While Mall Galleries has a particular focus on figurative practices such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, and drawing, applications from artists working in any artistic medium are eligible.
The Crinan Residency offers:
- A one-week residential experience in Crinan.
- Dedicated studio space for artistic development.
- Access to a unique coastal environment with rich natural and historical influences.
- Art materials worth £500 provided by Michael Harding.
- A £500 stipend toward travel and related expenses.
- Professional promotion through an interview feature on the Mall Galleries website and Instagram.
- Visibility opportunities through partner networks.
The selected artist will also benefit from informal guidance and local knowledge from artist Frances Macdonald, owner of the Crinan Hotel, and artist Ross Ryan.
The residency aims to support early-career artists by providing time, resources, and recognition during an important transition period after graduation.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Drawing
- Printmaking
- Mixed Media
- Installation
- Photography
- Ceramic
- Craft
- Research
- Interdisciplinary Arts
Eligibility
The Crinan Residency 2026 is open to:
- Newly graduated fine artists.
- Artists who completed an undergraduate or postgraduate fine arts degree at a recognized UK higher education institution in 2026.
- Artists who completed a fine arts course through an alternative learning programme in the UK in 2026.
Applicants must:
- Be graduating in 2026.
- Have completed a recognized fine arts programme.
- Apply as individual artists.
The opportunity is specifically intended for emerging artists at the beginning of their professional careers.
Artists from any artistic discipline may apply. While Mall Galleries traditionally supports figurative practices, particularly Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking, and Drawing, applications from artists working in other mediums are welcomed.
The organizers encourage applications from artists who have historically had fewer opportunities to access professional development programmes.
Program Benefits & Awards
The selected resident artist receives:
- One-week complimentary accommodation at the Crinan Hotel.
- Breakfast included during the residency.
- Access to a dedicated studio space.
- £500 stipend toward travel and other expenses.
- £500 worth of art materials from Michael Harding, including:
- Artists' Watercolours (Gem Set).
- Artists' Oil Colours (Plein Air Master Set).
- Primer.
- Linseed Oil.
- Varnish.
- Miracle Medium.
- Artistic advice and local guidance from Frances Macdonald and Ross Ryan.
- Professional feature interview on the Mall Galleries website and Instagram.
- Increased visibility through the Federation of British Artists network.
Additional benefits:
- Ten shortlisted artists receive a complimentary one-year ArtRabbit Artist Plan valued at £99.
- The ArtRabbit plan supports artists with professional visibility, portfolio presentation, commission-free selling opportunities, and access to curated opportunities.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applications must be submitted online and include:
- Full name and contact details:
- Name.
- Address.
- Email.
- Telephone number.
- Educational information:
- Institution and course of study.
- Year of graduation (must be 2026).
- Personal statement:
- Maximum 500 words.
- Introduction to the applicant.
- Artistic background.
- Explanation of interest in the Crinan Residency.
- Artwork examples:
- Three images of previous work.
- JPEG or PNG format.
- Maximum file size: 5MB per image.
- Include title, medium, and dimensions.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 31 July 2026
- Notification Deadline: 14 August 2026
- Residency period: September–October 2026
Location
Crinan, Scotland, United Kingdom
Additional Details
- The residency lasts one week.
- The exact residency week will be agreed between the selected artist and the Crinan Hotel.
- Any type of artwork is eligible.
- Mall Galleries has a particular interest in figurative art practices.
- The selected artist will be chosen by a three-person selection panel:
- Ross Ryan – Artist and representative of Crinan Hotel.
- Calum Bayne – Exhibitions Coordinator at Mall Galleries / Federation of British Artists.
- Vivi Kallinikou – Managing Director of ArtRabbit.
- The residency is designed specifically for artists transitioning from education into professional practice.
- The programme provides creative space, professional exposure, and material support rather than a production commission.