Rural Spot: Open Call for Makers and Craftspeople

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Rural Spot: Open Call for Makers and Craftspeople

Rural Spot — Politics of Craft at Samhain

Helmsdale, 31st October – 2nd November 2025

Timespan is looking for makers, craftspeople and artisans from Sutherland and Caithness to take part in the first Rural Spot in Helmsdale, part of the Europe-wide Culturality project.

Rural Spot is a three-day gathering during Samhain, when thresholds blur and futures are imagined. It will bring together local makers, researchers and communities to share skills, show work and reflect on the Politics of Craft. Here, craft is understood as more than technique: it is survival, shared knowledge, memory, resistance and imagination.

We are particularly looking for craftspeople and makers who would like to:

Take part in the focus group on Saturday 1 November (10:00–13:00), followed by a Networking Event bring-and-share dinner (18:00–20:00). The focus group will explore the issues and needs of local craftspeople and makers. Together we’ll discuss challenges and opportunities. Insights will inform future actions and to promote and support craft in the area
Host a free stall at the Timespan craft market on Saturday (13:00-17:00) and Sunday (10:00–17:00), to showcase and sell their work

The wider programme also includes workshops, talks, performances and a Samhain party on 31 October.

We welcome applications from anyone working with craft in the broadest sense: textiles, wood, glass, ceramics, repair, food, jewellery, digital or hybrid practices.

Support available:

Participation is free and open to all
Makers selected will be offered a free stall at the Timespan craft market (Sat 1 12:00-17:00 & Sun 2 Nov, 10:00–17:00)
10 bursaries are available, each including £50 travel support and a £150 participation fee. Bursaries will reflect a diversity of practices, geographies and experiences, with priority for under-represented craftspeople and makers (young people (18-25), working-class, global majority, LGBTQI+, disabled people, and those facing financial or geographical barriers)
2 Digital Practice Bursaries, each providing £150 to support the digitisation of your work and the documentation of your studio and creations using digital technologies. Delivered in partnership with the School of Computer Science, University of St Andrews, who will provide expertise and equipment. Craftspeople with an established practice will be prioritised.

*DEADLINE EXTENDED: Please complete this short survey by 23:59 Sunday 12th October. Selections will be made on Monday 13th October.

Email *

Name (first and surname) *

Business Name (if different from your name)

A short introduction to what you do, materials and technique (max 200 words) *

A link to your website/social media (if you have one)

If you don’t have a website/social media, up to 3 images of recent work

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Please also indicate if you would like to: *

Take part in the Focus Group (Sat 1st Nov, 10:00–13:00)

Take part in the networking event bring-and-share dinner (Sat 1st Nov 18:00–20:00)

Have a free stall at the craft market (Sat 1st 12:00-17:00 & Sun 2nd Nov, 10:00–17:00)

Be considered for a bursary (£50 travel + £150 fee) to attend the Focus Group

Identify as part of an under-represented group (young 18-25, working-class, global majority, LGBTQI+, disabled, or facing financial/geographical barriers)

Be considered for a digital practice bursary (£150 fee)

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