17/02/2023 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Extraordinary new artworks by Alberta Whittle to debut at Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

Alberta Whittle: create dangerously

1 April 2023 – 7 January 2024

Free

The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern One)

Alberta Whittle | create dangerously | National Galleries of Scotland

New multi-media works by the celebrated Barbadian-Scottish artist, Alberta Whittle, will be revealed this spring in a free exhibition at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern One) in Edinburgh. Alberta Whittle: create dangerously will open on 1 April 2023 and will run until 7 January 2024.

Experience the ambition and breadth of Alberta’s career to date and come away feeling her call to ‘invest in love’. At the heart of Alberta Whittle: create dangerously is the artist’s generous spirit which promotes compassion and collective care as means of resisting racism and anti-Blackness.

Through powerful and poetic storytelling, Alberta confronts the violence of colonialism, the legacies of the Transatlantic trade in enslaved people, and impact of the climate crisis. Alberta pulls apart the belief that ’racism and police brutality is [just] an English problem or an American problem’.

Instead, she underlines Scotland’s complicity in the structures of white supremacy. Often deeply personal, weaving stories of family and belonging, Alberta offers a message of hope, asking us to imagine a world outside of these damaging systems and ways of thinking.

Taking over the ground floor of Modern One, this will be the largest exploration of the artist’s works to date. The exhibition will offer a survey of Alberta’s expansive practice, featuring sculptures and installations, digital collages, drawings and watercolours, and new works made especially for the show.

These include a group of new paintings, a striking addition to the artist’s ongoing series of digital collages and a wall-based multi-part relief sculpture, designed to be interacted with by visitors.

Alberta Whittle: create dangerously will mark the return of two major works to Scotland, which gained critical acclaim at the 59th Venice Biennale, 2022.

Alberta’s extraordinary tapestry, Entanglement is more than blood (2022) created in collaboration with Dovecot Studios, and her thought-provoking film, Lagareh – The Last Born (2022) co-commissioned and produced with the support of Forma – both commissioned by Scotland + Venice as part of her new body of work deep dive (pause) uncoiling memory presented at the 2022 Venice Biennale.

Entanglement is more than blood is a large-scale tapestry on a gate-like structure. Characteristic of Alberta’s art, it is imbued with rich symbolism, including water, snakes, diamonds, hands, and shells.

Acting as a portal, the tapestry explores the meaning of family, kinship and ancestral histories, themes that will echo throughout the exhibition. The imagery in the tapestry is also seen in Lagareh – The Last Born. Centring the collective strength of contemporary Black womxn, this 43-minute film is anchored in ideas of abolition, rebellion, grief, and love.

Shot on location in Scotland, London, and Barbados, and featuring footage from Sierra Leone and Venice, Alberta has woven together contrasting stories of individual acts of resistance against racist violence with gentle moments of intimacy. Lagareh – The Last Born will play continuously throughout the day, and for visitors who wish to see it from the beginning, screening start times will be made available in the gallery and on the National Galleries of Scotland website.

Step inside a sound installation and listen to the voice of poet Kamau Brathwaite (1930-2020), a much-loved and hugely influential figure in Caribbean literature. Dealing with the themes of grief and loss, Alberta made this in personal tribute to Brathwaite, who was a close friend of her family as well as a collaborator.

Titled A portal for breathing love into the Elders or an Adoration for kith-folk who we long for (2021), this installation is comprised of objects of significance to the artist.

There will be a room dedicated to addressing the themes of rest and care, and connection and belonging in Alberta’s practice, where you can slow down and pause. Inside this room, visitors will find a beautiful bespoke quilt hanging on the wall, crafted by a group of women from North Edinburgh.

Inspired by Alberta’s practice and use of textiles and fabrics in her work, the quilt is being caringly made by a sewing group run by Project Esperanza, a charity dedicated to supporting women of African heritage, as well as women from other culturally diverse backgrounds. Facilitated by textile artist Francia Boakye, this quilt draws upon the makers’ lived experiences, weaving together their stories and their journeys as migrants to Scotland.

Alberta Whittle said: ‘This is an exhibition about hope. It is about the hope we can nurture within ourselves, but also the hope that we can have difficult conversations about the harm caused by colonialism, the Transatlantic trade in enslaved people, and the climate crisis.

“The exhibition presents an opportunity for self-reflection, and to think about the types of power we hold in the world and how we can use it compassionately.’

Lucy Askew, chief curator of Modern and Contemporary art at the National Galleries of Scotland, said: ‘We are incredibly happy to reveal more details about Alberta Whittle: create dangerously. This hugely important exhibition, devoted to the work of one of the leading artists working in Scotland today, is underpinned by Alberta’s deep generosity and warmth.

“Alberta speaks of fundamental truths about the violence and injustices of our past – ‘the burden of proof’ – and the legacy of systemic racism which permeates through our society today, asking us to confront this with her. With compassion and care, she holds and guides us, encouraging us to pause, to breathe, and to think differently.’

Jenny Waldman, director of Art Fund, said: ‘The screening tour of Alberta Whittle’s eloquent and multi-layered film, Lagareh – The Last Born, has brought it to audiences across Scotland; continuing to include and empower viewers as it did at the Venice Biennale last year.

“And now, Alberta Whittle: create dangerously at National Galleries of Scotland is enabling as many people as possible to view and enjoy this important work in the context of the artist’s major solo show.

“It is thanks to our members and supporters that Art Fund can help share the best of contemporary art, like this, across the country.”

Pensioner play dates bring intergenerational joy

Toddlers from local nursery visit Edinburgh care home

INTERGENERATIONAL visits at an Edinburgh care home have brought some of the city’s oldest and youngest residents together.

A group of toddlers aged between three and five from Cramond Early Learning and Childcare visited residents at Cramond Residence for a day of activities and games, including art and craft projects and singing nursery rhymes.

Since opening in 2018, the home has worked to integrate younger and older generations. The benefits are endless – it reduces social isolation, loneliness and helps residents reminisce about their own childhoods.

Lorraine Mossie, Manager of Cramond Early Learning and Childcare said: “Once the ice had been broken between the children and residents, there was no stopping the fun!

“We’ve had amazing feedback from both the children and their families about our visit. The children were so excited to share their stories with their peers at nursery and with their families at home.

“We feel very passionately about intergenerational working in Cramond Early Learning and Childcare as it helps build confidence, challenges prejudices and assumptions.”

Cramond Residence prides itself on the vast array of activities offered to residents on a daily basis, with the visit from Cramond Early Learning and Childcare being one of the latest additions to the home’s bustling monthly rota.

Christian Daraio, Client Liaison Manager and registered nurse at the 74-bedroom care home, said: “The residents were very enthusiastic about the visit as they always look forward to interacting with young people – especially where singing or music is involved!

“Activities included lots of games with tennis rackets, bubbles, drawing and balloons, as well as both generations singing nursery rhymes together – it was really lovely to see. Almost 30 eager residents took part in the activities, each excited to spend some quality time with the youngsters.

“Relationships between young people and our older residents help to bring a new energy to the day.”

The visit follows recent company from Cargilfield School, Fettes College and Holyrood High School. The partnerships have enabled a host of students of all ages to visit the home, as well as providing the pupils with volunteering opportunities.

Christian continued: “These sorts of intergenerational activities allow our residents to appreciate the simple joys of seeing children and young people playing and performing, which promotes a positive mindset and most importantly, it’s great fun for everyone involved!

“We’re looking to continue regular visits from the nursery, alongside our existing relationships with other local schools.”

Cramond Residence is always on the look out for volunteers. If you would like to make a real difference to the quality of residents’ lives, visit:

https://cramondresidence.co.uk/contact-us/join-the-team/

Residential life is full of activities, freshly prepared meals and top-class facilities, ensuring that all residents enjoy a rich and satisfying life at the care home. The facilities provided include a cinema and function room, a games room and also a sensory experience which offers therapeutic activities for those with dementia.

To find out more information on Cramond Residence, visit:

https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Rewild the night sky by tackling light pollution, says CPRE at launch of annual Star Count

Chris Packham urges people across the country to get involved in CPRE’s annual Star Count, from 17 to 24 February, to measure light pollution
As the rewilding movement gathers pace, landowners, farmers and the government are being encouraged to remember that the night sky is an intrinsic part of nature – and vital for the health of people and wildlife
CPRE is calling for changes to national and local planning policy to combat light pollution to ensure well-designed lighting that’s only used when and where it’s needed

Chris Packham is urging the public to spend 20 minutes counting stars to help build a crucial national database mapping light pollution. The broadcaster is backing a campaign by countryside charity CPRE to rewild the night sky to restore truly dark natural habitats for threatened wildlife.

Artificial light pollution is one of the biggest threats to nocturnal creatures, many of which have suffered sharp population declines. Man-made light is known to cause confusion to migrating birds, often with fatal outcomes. It interrupts natural rhythms, including the reproduction, feeding and sleeping patterns of pollinating insects, bats and nocturnal animals.

CPRE is asking as many people as possible to take part in its annual Star Count, taking place from 17 to 24 February.

By simply counting the number of stars visible to the naked eye in the Orion constellation, the public makes a vital contribution to building a nationwide picture of the state of our night sky. The results will help pinpoint the country’s most pristine skies and the areas most badly affected by light pollution.

Strengthened national and local planning policy is required to ensure we get well-designed lighting that is only used when and where it is needed. Light pollution disrupts wildlife. It also robs people of the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the stars and reduces an often-forgotten connection to nature.

Emma Marrington, dark skies campaigner at CPRE, the countryside charity, said: ‘As the rewilding movement gathers pace, with government, landowners, farmers and conservation groups backing evermore ambitious projects, we are urging them to remember that the night sky is an intrinsic part of nature.

“Studies have shown that exposure to artificial light at night disrupts the natural circadian rhythms of humans as well as animals, leading to a range of negative health effects.

‘The night sky is becoming increasingly obscured by artificial light. Sadly, this means most people in the UK can’t see many stars at all, especially if they live near a big town or city. Yet, it’s a form of pollution that has been allowed to grow for years without any significant effort being made to control the damage it’s causing to people, nature and the environment. It’s time to rewild the night sky and help people, as well as wildlife, reconnect to such a vital part of our heritage.’

Two-thirds of invertebrates are partially or wholly nocturnal, and even daytime species can be severely impacted by the loss of a dark night sky. Research has shown light pollution can reduce fruit production, with visits to flowers by nocturnal pollinators, such as moths, beetles and flies, down by 62% in one study.

Environmentalist and broadcaster Chris Packham said: ‘We have many grave concerns about things which are impacting negatively upon our wildlife and they all urgently need addressing. One which is unfortunately relatively frequently overlooked is light pollution.

“Light pollution can be a real nuisance. It can interrupt animals’ behaviour and drastically disrupt their ecology, particularly nocturnal species like bats and moths. And that’s why CPRE, the countryside charity, is organising Star Count.

“This is a great piece of citizen science where me and you can gaze into the night sky and count the number of stars which are visible to us in the constellation of Orion. This is stargazing made easy and you don’t even need a telescope”.

CPRE is calling for stronger local and national planning policy to combat light pollution – the National Planning Policy Framework, where these policies are decided, is currently under review. Now is the time for the government to act.

In the countryside – particularly near nature restoration projects and proposed wildlife corridors, in AONBs and national parks – naturally dark skies reinforce the benefits of returning the land to the most natural, healthy and peaceful state possible.

Simple and cheap measures, such as directional street lighting, timer switches on exterior lights and changing the colour of LED bulbs can make a significant improvement to light blight. Minimum standards are needed for the management of external lighting to cut light pollution; and stronger policies in local plans to ensure existing dark skies are protected, and that new developments do not increase light pollution.

Alastair Driver, director of Rewilding Britain, said: ‘Naturally dark skies reinforce the whole ethos of rewilding. Not only are they so important to much of our wildlife, they also engender a sense of wildness for people, which is crucial in strengthening our connections with nature.

“This, as we know, dramatically improves mental and physical health. Naturally dark night skies are a vital and meaningful part of our natural heritage.

“For nocturnal wildlife in particular, the night sky is a crucial part of the environment. Reproduction, feeding and sleeping patterns are directly impacted by light pollution. Like all forms of pollution, it’s harmful to nature. Where public money is rightly invested in rewilding and nature recovery projects it clearly makes sense to ensure the night sky is in as natural a state as the land and sea.”

Vintage Vibes: Looking for lovely people in North Edinburgh to volunteer

Did you know that Edinburgh is the loneliest city in the UK for older people?

@Vintage Vibes Edinburgh is a charity project that matches you with a wonderful older person who is local to you and has a shared interest, to create a fantastic friendship that meets once a week. It’s flexible, fun and fulfilling.

“You couldn’t have picked a better person, she is a great friend.” – Doreen

Interested? Email hello@vintagevibes.org.uk or go to vintagevibes.org.uk and sign up online

Business Gateway partners with the UK’s first ‘Dr of Social Media’ to uncover the power of social listening for businesses

Business Gateway has announced a free online DigitalBoost event with Dr Jillian Ney, the UK’s first ‘Dr of Social Media’, which will equip Scottish businesses with the knowledge to harness their internet data.

Taking place on Monday, 27th February at 1pm, the hour-long webinar ‘Social Media Listening with Dr Jillian Ney’ will explore social listening – defining what it is, how it can benefit business owners, and offer tips on how to achieve impact in cost-effective ways.

Award-winning digital anthropologist Dr Jillian Ney is the founder of Glasgow-based The Social Intelligence Lab, a global community for professionals working with social and internet data.

She has worked in the industry for over a decade as a researcher, consultant, spokesperson, and author. She has been voted as one of the most influential women under 30 in digital marketing, has given two TED Talks: “Connectedness and the Digital Self” and “Social Media: The Value Lies in the Data”, and has presented her work at SXSW, Social Media Week, NATO, and 10 Downing Street.

Dr Ney began her PhD in social media and consumer behaviour in 2007 at the University of Strathclyde.

She discovered that by analysing how people present themselves and interact online, you can gather valuable insights about their behaviour in the real world. Since then, she has been creating methodologies to help businesses understand what is driving customer behaviour by applying behavioural science to social data and other online data sources.

‘Social Media Listening with Dr Jillian Ney’ will be hosted as a Q&A with Business Gateway’s Chief Officer, Hugh Lightbody. Dr Ney will offer expert guidance on how businesses can use online data to identify insights on their target audience and stay competitive, as well as explore the changing impact of the internet on the business landscape.

Dr Jillian Ney said: “Social listening is a powerful tool that can help businesses of all sizes gain a deeper understanding of their audience and stay ahead of their competition, but it is easy to get swept up in the hype of what the technology and data can offer.

“During the webinar, I will demystify this hype to help businesses concentrate on what’s important. I’m delighted to partner with Business Gateway on this session, hopefully encouraging more businesses to discover the untapped potential that lies in their social data.”

Hugh Lightbody, Chief Officer at Business Gateway, added: “We are thrilled to have Dr Jillian Ney join us for this webinar.

“She has led the field in social and internet data and her insights on how technology is changing people’s behaviour online and offline will help equip businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.

“Digital know-how is a fundamental skillset for business owners, as the opportunities the online world presents are huge. We hope this webinar, delivered as part of our DigitalBoost programme, provides a valuable resource as businesses navigate the ever-changing digital landscape.”

For further information and to book a place on the webinar, visit:

www.bgateway.com/events/social-media-listening-with-dr-jillian-ney-25615

Business Gateway is Scotland’s national business advisory service, offering free advice and support to anyone starting a new business, as well as to thousands of existing businesses with the ambition and potential to grow. Its DigitalBoost programme focuses on digital upskilling through free online resources and webinars from expert consultants.

For further information, visit: https://www.bgateway.com/

Aldi hiring 129 colleagues across Edinburgh and the Lothians

Aldi has announced it is currently looking to hire 129 colleagues in Edinburgh and The Lothians.

The supermarket is looking for people of all levels of experience to fill roles across the region, with pay rates of up to £12.40 an hour.

This includes full and part-time positions such as Store Management Apprentice and Store Assistant, all the way up to Deputy Manager.

Stores in Edinburgh and The Lothians, where Aldi is looking to hire, include Chesser, Dalkeith, and Hermiston Gait.

The recruitment push forms part of Aldi’s nationwide expansion drive, with the supermarket opening a number of new stores across the UK in the next year. Aldi is also currently recruiting for 450 jobs at its 11 Regional Distribution Centres up and down the country.

Giles Hurley, Chief Executive Officer of Aldi UK, said: “Demand for Aldi has never been higher as more and more people realise they can make significant savings on every shop without compromising on quality. It’s more important than ever that we are making it even easier for more people to shop with us – including by opening dozens of new stores.

“Our success is dependent on the amazing work that colleagues do, day in and day out, and we’re looking forward to welcoming thousands more colleagues to Team Aldi throughout 2023.”

Store Assistants at Aldi receive a starting pay of £11.00 an hour nationally, rising to £11.90, and £12.45 rising to £12.75, within the M25, with the supermarket also paying for breaks. Meanwhile, Aldi recently increased pay rates for around 7,000 warehouse workers, with Warehouse Selectors now receiving a minimum starting salary of £13.18 per hour.

Those interested in applying for a career with Aldi can visit:

www.aldirecruitment.co.uk.

Tree Planting event at Lauriston Farm

Hello friend

On behalf of Lauriston Farm and the Global Shapers Edinburgh hub, we invite you to our tree planting event on Saturday 25 February 2023 from 2 pm- 4:30 pm at Lauriston Farm, EH4 5EX

The main aim of the event is to involve more young people in tree planting events in Edinburgh, thereby helping them contribute to the city’s million tree goal.

So, if you are between 17-30 years and are interested in seeing a more green Edinburgh, this opportunity is for you.

Kindly note that there is no registration fee and as a gesture of gratitude, we will be providing complimentary hot drinks and snacks to all the attendees

Register for the event by the link in bio. Also, we’d be really grateful if you could share this invitation with someone who might be interested.

See you at the farm!

#globalshaperscommunity

#globalshapers

#hereforedinburgh

Free Indian Dance workshop at Granton Goes Greener next week

We are very excited to have another FREE Indian Dancing workshop at Granton Goes Greener organised in partnership with Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) and “Open Arms” project.

The workshop is part of Edinburgh Festival Fringe and their amazing community engagement programme.

If you would like to book your space, please, email:mrostami@elrec.org.uk

Light lunch will be provided

£27 million to tackle disadvantage

Community projects tackling poverty and disadvantage will receive £27 million funding over the next three years.

Food pantries which help lower food bills and cost of living advice services are among the 100 initiatives developed by local people set to receive grants from the Investing in Communities Fund.

Among the successful Edinburgh bids are Community Renewal, who receive funding for Our Neighbourhood: A new hyperlocal Community Wealth Building partnership, Dr Bell’s Family Centre (Start Well, Live Well: Wellbeing Support for Families in Leith programme), Fresh Start (Fresh Connections) and North Edinburgh Arts (Link Up).

Other Edinburgh projects to receive funding include The Broomhouse Centre, The Venchie Children and Young People’s Project and WHALE Arts Agency in Wester Hailes.

Final details of the grants allocated will be made public after letters of acceptance have been received.

Supported projects are delivering multiple activities, including:

debt and benefit advice to avoid electricity and gas disconnection or eviction for rent arrears in South East Glasgow
a furniture reuse scheme in Inverness and a swap and repair shop in West Lothian
community food growing in South West Glasgow
school uniform exchanges and supporting parents into employment in South Lanarkshire
help for mothers establishing micro businesses in South West Edinburgh
training for jobseekers and counselling to address mental health and substance abuse issues in the Borders

Community Wealth Minister Tom Arthur said: “This fund will help directly address issues facing disadvantaged communities, such as unemployment and food insecurity.

“We have been clear that the Scottish Budget is prioritising our limited resources to tackle child poverty, invest in our transition to net zero, and protect public services. And the projects supported through Investing in Communities speak to these priorities.

“Many will help ease immediate challenges from the cost of living crisis but also support communities in delivering longer term plans to address poverty.”

Investing in Communities

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The funeral of Firefighter Barry Martin takes place today

Barry Martin’s wife has described him as a remarkable man who was exhilarated to be a firefighter

The 38-year-old sadly died on Friday, 27 January following the serious injuries he sustained during a large-scale fire at the former Jenners building in Edinburgh earlier that week.

Firefighters from across Scotland will join his family and friends in paying tribute at his funeral service to be held at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh today = Friday, 17 February.

The father-of-two from Fife, was the beloved husband of Shelley, 36, and much-loved father of eight-year-old twins Oliver and Daniel.

Shelley said: “Our sons could not have wished for a more loving and attentive father. He was a busy dad, transporting our sons to their various activities, and being there for them. I felt utterly privileged to be his wife throughout our life together and always will.

“Barry was motivated, proud, and driven to be the best he could be, for himself, for his family, for his colleagues, and for the community and wider public. Being there for people, during their time of greatest need, meant everything to him in his career.

“Our love, admiration and respect for him, will last forever.”

Prior to joining the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Barry was a Pest Control Technician and set up his own company with Shelley.

He was passionate about health and fitness and had a particular interest in the tattoo industry.

Barry was based at McDonald Road Community Fire Station in Edinburgh and was part of the Blue Watch. The Blue Watch in all Edinburgh stations will be stood down on the day of Barry’s funeral to allow staff to attend the service, should they wish to do so.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Interim Chief Officer Ross Haggart said: “Our thoughts remain very firmly with Barry Martin’s family as we plan to come together at St Giles’ Cathedral to pay our respects.

“Barry was a much-loved husband, father, son and friend to many. His Blue Watch colleagues and the wider Service will ensure that Barry’s selfless duty will never be forgotten.”

Barry’s family wish to thank everyone for their support, wishes and love at the hardest time of their lives.

Fire and rescue services fell silent on Monday, as a minute’s silence was observed to pause and reflect on Barry’s life and sacrifice.

That silence reached the earthquake disaster area of Turkey, where firefighters from the UK International Search and Rescue Team, stopped and paid a moving tribute to one of their own.

The City of Edinburgh Council last week paid tribute to Barry during a full meeting by observing a minute’s silence.

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge offered heartfelt condolences. He said: “It’s in tragic circumstances such as these that we’re reminded of the immense bravery and selflessness of those in our emergency services – putting their lives on the line day in, day out to keep us safe.

“The many tributes which have been placed outside Jenners show how deeply Barry’s passing has been felt, both by people throughout the city and by his firefighter colleagues in Edinburgh and across the country.”

At midday on Friday, 17 February, the funeral cortege will make its way from the base of the Royal Mile, arriving at the Cathedral at 12.30pm when the service, by invitation, will begin. There will be a private committal thereafter.

As the funeral cortege makes its way through the city there will be a number of rolling road closures supported by Police Scotland, however disruption will be kept to a minimum.