Magnetic North Blog

The Dream Train (1999) by Tom McGrath. David Gallacher as The Baron (1999).

We've commissioned some of the artists we have worked with over the years to contribute something to mark our 21st anniversary. Each has contributed something connected to their work with us and received a small fee. Every week we'll add a new commission to this blog post.

Photo by Nicholas Bone

As reported in my previous post, we began our first development week on Sara Maitland's book Gossip from the Forest in the week the lockdown began. We had already planned to work slightly differently because of the travel restrictions that had been introduced the week before, but Boris Johnson's announcement came immediately after we had finished our first day so more adaptations were needed.

We hope that you are all keeping well and looking forward to better times in 2021.

Magnetic North has just published a summary annual report for the year ended 31 March 2020. You can read it here.

An annual report is always and inevitably out of date, but 2019-2020 now feels like a different world, never mind a different year. So we also wanted to share a brief account of what we’ve been doing since March 2020 when the world changed. Magnetic North is in the fortunate position of being regularly funded by Creative Scotland, and our aim has been to use that position of privilege to keep working to support artists.

 During the Covid-19 crisis we have:

We’re proud to announce the artists we will support with our micro-commissions programme.

Our next Space Time retreat will run from 4^th-9^th October 2019 at Cove Park in Argyll and the application process is now open. Experienced artists from any art form are welcome to apply by the deadline of 1pm on Friday 21^st June.

Space/Timeis a paid creative retreat for experienced artists from all disciplines that asks the question “How does an artist keep developing?”

It aims to refresh participants through a stimulating examination of creativity. During the residency, we will explore how creativity can be nourished and how artists can continue challenging themselves to develop.

The residency combines facilitated dialogue - built around a series of self-generated questions - with time for individual reflection and work. It is led by Nicholas Bone and Alice McGrath.

 You can find out more about how to apply here and if you need any more information please get in touch with us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..