Dumfries House Applications (RDS Applicants)
The residency is intended to be a productive and creative period for artists to be able to work in a peaceful environment, whilst enjoying Dumfries House, its interior, the impressive 18th century collection, its grounds and the surrounding countryside. The emphasis of the residency is working from observation and the development of new work.
Applications are now open for Dumfries House residencies from June – November 2025. Open to Royal Drawing School Drawing Year alumni and Online Drawing Development Year graduates.
The Dumfries House residency welcomes applications from RDS alumni artists who are parents of young families. Alumni parent artists should apply as a group with other alumni parents who would like to take their children to Dumfries House. We suggest applying as a group of 2 - 4 artists to make the most the exclusive use of the studios and artists flat. Parent and child residencies are 1 – 2 weeks in length. Each parent artist must submit their own application and list the names of the other parent artists that they would like to be in residence with. Please get in touch if you would like more information on the parent and child residency at Dumfries House.
Application deadline 5pm Wednesday 2 April 2025. If you have any questions regarding the residency or your application, please contact residencies@royaldrawingschool.org
The Royal Drawing School has recently opened a new printmaking studio at Dumfries House. The new studio offers etching facilities for artists in residence. Please note the printmaking residencies are only open to artists proficient in printmaking. There are limited printmaking residencies available between mid-August to mid-November 2025 for Royal Drawing School alumni. Please specify on your application if you wish to be considered for one of the printmaking residences.
Residency terms:
Artists will be provided with a studio and self-catering accommodation. Artists are expected to be self-sufficient for the duration of their stay and will need to cover all other costs including travel, food, and materials.
If you have any questions regarding the residency or your application, please contact residencies@royaldrawingschool.org
US applicants should complete a different application form found on the Dumfries House Applications (US Applicants) page and Scottish Artist applicants should complete a different application form found on the Dumfries House Applications (Scottish Artists) page.