Creative Scotland funding for Young Women Care About Art

New work inspired by women’s voices

We’re pleased to share that Creative Scotland is funding Young Women Care About Art, a year-long programme led by ProjectChange in partnership with Birthlink, Impact Arts and the Young Women’s Movement.

The artists will respond to handwritten letters from women in care during the 20th century, held in Birthlink’s archive. The letters offer a starting point for exploring identity, belonging and the connections between women’s lives across generations.

Each artist will decide what catches their attention and how to respond. That could mean working with sound, film, sculpture, writing, zines or another form entirely. There is no requirement to tell their own care story: the creative direction belongs to them.

Time and support to develop

Across the year, the programme will combine regular group sessions with supported independent making and one-to-one mentoring. Impact Arts will match each participant with an experienced artist whose practice and interests fit their own.

Artists will be paid for their participation and supported with materials. Travel, childcare and access costs are covered, with flexible arrangements and pastoral support built into the programme so that people can take part.

Shaped by the artists

The project grew from our work with the Young Women’s Movement, including a 2025 creative event exploring care, gender and identity through zine-making. Women involved asked for sustained creative opportunities, proper pay and space to develop their interests and ambitions.

The four artists will help shape how the programme runs and how their work is shared. The year will build towards a public exhibition or creative experience, with its format decided together and professional production support available.

ProjectChange will lead the programme and support the artists throughout. Birthlink will provide guided access to the archive, Impact Arts will coordinate creative mentoring, and the Young Women’s Movement will bring expertise in supporting young women’s participation and leadership.

We’re grateful to Creative Scotland for funding this work and helping make sustained creative time and support possible for four care experienced women artists.