The Dr Gavin Wallace Fellowship was established to honour a Creative Scotland colleague who dedicated his entire professional life to helping writers and literature organisations in Scotland.

This fund supports an arts or public sector organisation based in Scotland to host the year-long Dr Gavin Wallace Fellowship. The successful host organisation will then subsequently recruit a Writing Fellow. 

The Dr Gavin Wallace Fellowship is supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland. 

About the Programme

The Fellowship is intended to support mid-career and established writers, allowing a writer time to create work rather than deliver creative workshops or other project-based activities.

Please note that the Gavin Wallace Fellowship is to allow for a writer to have a supported year writing in the genre in which they can already demonstrate a track record. It is not designed to allow writers to pivot into new forms.

Organisations applying to host will suggest a broad theme for the Fellowship which should be related to their own work. Creative Scotland are keen to encourage applications from organisations which work in any art form, or work in other parts of the public sector, providing they can show: 

• An established commitment to the arts in Scotland 
• An understanding of the development needs of writers and a willingness to support a writer throughout their Fellowship 
• A knowledge of the wider literature sector in Scotland 
• A clear rationale as to why hosting the Fellowship in 2025 would be beneficial to the organisation’s own work. 

They are particularly interested in receiving applications from organisations which: 

• Can demonstrate a commitment to diversifying the arts in Scotland and/or 
• Consider access requirements through an openness to working remotely and digitally with the writing fellow, where required or appropriate. 

Eligibility

CS will accept applications from arts, screen and creative organisations which are based in Scotland. They are also happy to accept applications from organisations working in other parts of the public sector that can meet the criteria (particularly around supporting the developmental needs of the writer).

Budget available

One award of £29,000 is available. The award is to be divided into a £24,000 stipend for the successful writer, and £5,000 to the host organisation to support the development and delivery of project plans.

Timeline

Host Organisation Applications open: 11 September 2024 

Deadline: Tue 29 October 2024

They are aiming to confirm the selected host organisation by Mon 25 November 2024.