King Charles opens doors to Scottish monarch’s mansion in major development

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

He is launching an “artist in residence” program at Dumfries House specifically for artists from Africa, the Caribbean and the diaspora.

Charles, through his charity The King’s Fund, has teamed up with England rugby player Maro Itoje to offer emerging artists the chance to live and work at a Scottish estate for three months.

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

The collaboration will “deliver up to eight funded residencies per year, designed to provide African, Caribbean and diaspora artists with opportunities to develop and expand their usual practices.”

Artists will be invited to share their perspectives through lectures, open studios and exhibitions.

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

“Our residencies are a haven for emerging artists, established artists and emerging artists.”

He continued: “They will benefit from being surrounded by the rich ecosystem provided by Dumfries House and become contributors to the development of African art globally.”

In 2007, King Charles and his charity purchased Dumfries House in Ayrshire.

This 18th-century residence is open to the public year-round and is used for education and training programs.

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

Charles’ residences are located across Scotland, including Balmoral Castle, Birkhall and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

In June 2022, Itoye met the King at a reception at Buckingham Palace that celebrated the contributions of people across the British Commonwealth.

For those who don’t know, the monarch is currently undergoing undisclosed cancer treatment and is gradually returning to his regular public duties.