As part of the Culturality project, Applied Arts Scotland is inviting creative practitioners to submit collaborative ideas for an upcoming Living Lab residency. Taking place in Nethy Bridge from 5 to 9 October 2026, this immersive workshop is looking for concepts that celebrate craft and reimagine rural heritage for sustainable tourism. From all the submissions, two selected ideas will be collaboratively explored and developed by a small, diverse group of participants.
If you have a collaborative spirit and a curiosity for rural heritage, your proposal should focus on one of the following key areas:
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Collaborative Networks: Initiatives that strengthen ties between artisans, cultural organisations, and tourism stakeholders to foster mentorship, shared skills, and mutual care across sectors.
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Sustainable Heritage: Concepts that combine tangible and intangible heritage to engage visitors respectfully. The goal is to balance tourism flows and create sustainable income while strictly preserving local identity.
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Authentic Experiences: Ideas that move completely beyond stereotypes. These proposals should offer in-depth encounters that connect visitors directly with the creative processes and daily life of the rural community.
Freelance and self-employed participants will receive payment at the recommended SAU sessional rates for their time. Furthermore, travel expenses, meals, and accommodation can be provided for the duration of the workshop depending on your location.
The deadline to submit an application is midnight on Thursday, 9 July 2026.
About CULTURALITY
CULTURALITY is an international research initiative funded by the Horizon Europe programme. Spanning nine European countries over four years, the project researches the current landscape for rural craft practitioners. It actively explores how creative and culinary industries can better interact with tourism to generate sustainable income. By hosting physical research events and digital networking opportunities, CULTURALITY ensures that the voices of rural makers are heard and placed at the centre of future cultural planning.