Jon Schueler Scholarship – Visual Artist in Residence

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and the Jon Schueler Charitable Trust are pleased to announce the reinstatement of the Jon Schueler Scholarship. This scholarship supports a three-month Visual Arts Residency at the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, based in Sleat on the Isle of Skye.

The scholarship was established in memory of the life, work, and legacy of the renowned abstract expressionist painter Jon Schueler (1916–1992). Schueler’s work was inspired and had a deep connection with the landscape and environment of the Sound of Sleat.

The residency offers a unique opportunity for a professional visual artist to undertake a three-month residency in a dedicated artist’s studio located in a spectacular coastal setting on the Isle of Skye, overlooking the Sound of Sleat. The resident will be expected to present their work in a public exhibition/presentation at the end of the residency.

Applications for this prestigious international programme are open now and close on the 14th of November, 5pm (GMT).

There is no application fee. The residency itself will be held in summer/autumn of 2026.

Application Requirements

Applicants will be asked to provide the following information and materials through the application form here.

1. Personal Details

Full name
Address
Email address

2. Eligibility Confirmation

Confirmation that the applicant has been out of formal education for at least three years.

3. Written Statements

Artist Statement (200 words): A reflection on your artistic practice, themes, and motivations.
Artist Summary (200 words): A concise overview of your career, achievements, and current direction.
Residency Proposal: A detailed outline of what you intend to research, develop, or produce during the residency.

4. Supporting Documents

CV: Including exhibitions, residencies, publications, and other relevant experience.
Estimated Travel Costs: A breakdown of anticipated travel expenses to and from the residency.
List of Works: Titles, dates, mediums, and brief descriptions of selected works.
Attached Files: Visual documentation of your work (images, PDFs, etc.).

Successful applicants will be shortlisted and invited to interview for the scholarship once applications have closed.

The application form can be found here.

“I am so grateful to be given this opportunity of discovery, that has opened my eyes to a new way of looking. I will treasure this experience. It will remain with me and influence my work for the rest of my life.”

Takeshi Shikama, Jon Schueler Artist in Residence 2013

“Being given the opportunity to work for three month in the unique context of Gaelic culture and language, based on the breathtakingly beautiful island of Skye, and surrounded by supportive and engaging people, has opened new routes in my work for me. This residency is without doubt one of the most stimulating I have ever been involved in.”

Helmut Lemke, Jon Schueler Artist in Residence 2014

PREVIOUS SCHOLARS

Since 2013, when the Jon Schueler Scholarship began, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig has had eight Artists in Residence coming from all corners of the world. Below you will find further information about each artist and the work they compiled while based here in Skye.