The Connecting Makers programme provides paid opportunities for our Members to share their expertise and learning with other Members, makers, and the making community.
Watch back: Connecting Makers Relaunch event 2026
Members Survey 2026
In our most recent Members Survey (2026) you told us you would like more in-person activity, professional development and paid opportunities. Read on to find out the ways you can get involved with Connecting Makers, all paid at SAU rates. When you are ready to propose a session, apply here.
Online Session
We hold monthly online sessions covering topics like the pursuit of funding, growing your online presence and selling face-to-face. Host or co-host a two-hour online session covering a topic you are passionate about. Fee ÂŁ184 per person. You can look back at some of our previous sessions here.
Apply to host an Online Session.
Maker Gathering
Our Members are based across Scotland (and beyond), from Forres to Fintry, Kirkwall to Kirkcudbright. If you want to gather makers in your area, we want to support you to make it happen. Host an in-person Maker Gathering to share skills, exchange materials or knowledge, host an exhibition, residency, or suggest a topic that addresses needs as shown in the Maker Survey.
Fee: ÂŁ275 plus up to ÂŁ225 towards venue hire (if required) and refreshments.
Please note not all of attendees have to be AAS Members. If venue hire is required, in-person events must include an attached quote from the venue with venue rental hire costs. Applications without this document will not be progressed.
Apply to host a Maker Gathering.
Panel
Host an in-person or online panel with a lead panellist and up to three guests, addressing a topic as reflected in the Maker Survey. Fee ÂŁ184 to host plus ÂŁ103 each for up to three panel members.
In-person Maker events must include a quote from the venue with venue rental hire costs, applications without this document will not be progressed.
In-person Panels and Maker Gathering can be combined for large events, up to a total of ÂŁ993.
Video Postcard
2 x 1 minute video or 1 x 3 minute video (with captions) on a subject of interest to fellow makers, ÂŁ92.
Examples include:
- Your experience on a residency makes you think this would be a good experience for others
- Review of a training programme you have recently undertaken
- Tools, apps, networks (etc.) you have found to make your practice more sustainable
These are just a few examples, we are open to all ideas that would interest not only our members, but the wider making culture. Please ensure you own the copyright to what your videos show. Videos will be shared under the Applied Arts Scotland social media accounts.
Apply to create a Video Postcard.
Craft Chronicles
Long-form writing in response to a Connecting Makers theme (750-1500 words), fee ÂŁ184. A short synopsis in our newsletter will link to your blog on the Applied Arts Scotland website. Current call out: The new Craft Chronicles long-form writing opportunities are seeking articles on How do you define craft or applied arts?
Apply to write a long-form article.
