Platform Bursary 2026
6 January 2026
£1000 bursary + mentoring
Deadline: 31st January 2026
b-side and Dorset Visual Arts are offering a £1000 artist bursary open to emerging artists or established artists based in Dorset who would like to develop and experiment with a change of practice. This award is in partnership with Visual Arts South West.
Why apply for a Platform Bursary?
This is primarily a development opportunity, with mentoring support. The bursary includes:
- £1k artist fee (this can be used on travel, materials or other resources that support your work)
- Mentoring from b-side and DVA
- VASW Practice in Place Blog
- 90 minute mentoring session with VASW Director
- Free one year membership to DVA – DVA Membership includes: Artist profile page of DVA website, monthly member newsletter, access to exclusive DVA showcase opportunities, development resources, support, networking and more
- Potential to create a piece of work to be shown at the 2026 b-side festival