King Charles opens door of monarch’s Scottish house in major development

King Charles is opening up the monarch’s Scottish home to Caribbean artists. 

He is initiating an "artist in residence" program at Dumfries House specifically for African, Caribbean, and diaspora artists. 

Collaborating with England rugby player Maro Itoje through his charity, The King’s Foundation, Charles aims to provide emerging artists with the opportunity to live and work on the Scottish Estate for a period of three months.

Itoje co-founded The Akoje Residency to give opportunities to artists from Commonwealth countries.

The collaboration will “offer up to eight funded residencies a year, designed to afford opportunities for African, Caribbean and diaspora artists to develop and extend their usual practice.”

The artists will be invited to share their views through talks, open studios and exhibitions.

Itoje said: “We believe art has the amazing ability to bring communities together.

“Our residency is a haven for emerging and established and emerging artists alike.”

He continued: “They will benefit from being surrounded by the enriching ecosystem that Dumfries House provides as well as being a contributor to the growth of African art worldwide.”

King Charles and his charity bought Dumfries House in Ayrshire in 2007.

The 18th-century home is open to the public all year round and is used for education and training programmes.

The then Prince Charles bought the house for £45million in an attempt to restore the residency for the nation.

Charles has homes spread across Scotland including, Balmoral Castle, Birkhall and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

In June 2022, Itoje met the King at a Buckingham Palace reception which celebrated the contribution of people of the Commonwealth in the UK.

For the unversed the monarch is currently receiving treatment for undisclosed form of cancer, is gradually resuming his regular public duties.