Projects and organisations across Edinburgh are sharing in £49,382 National Lottery funding in the latest round of Creative Scotland’s Open Fund awards.
Edinburgh contemporary composer, Neil Smith is developing two projects designed to inspire new audiences for contemporary classical music.
A debut portrait album of chamber music and a new music-driven puppet theatre show follow fast on the heels of his collaboration with Tinderbox Collective’s recent Music For Bridges project.
Photographer,David Grinlyis developing new work for an exhibition at Sierra Metro gallery, Edinburgh in January 2022.
Collaborating with six musicians, Grinly will perform and record works of “photographic music” composed via a method developed by the artist to translate colour into musical notation.
The Edinburgh projects are among the 36 creative initiatives across Scotland sharing in over £772,000 of National Lottery funding in this round of Open Fund awards.
Iain Munro, CEO, Creative Scotlandsaid: “These Open Fund grants are capable of making a palpable and positive difference to the lives and careers of artists, and more widely to those of us living within Scotland’s communities.
“Thanks to the generosity of National Lottery players, who raise £30 million for good causes across the UK every year, these awards continue to support communities the length and breadth of Scotland, inspiring generations and boosting overall wellbeing.”
As the year draws to an end and festive cheer starts to build, Dance Base celebrates all things dance by hosting a new showcase, SNOW MOTION: three evenings of live performance back in the glorious Studio 1 space.
This December, Dance Base is delighted to welcome a fantastic array of dance artists from across Scotland to bring their work back to the stage and to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Dance Base making its home in the Grassmarket building.
Each artist joining the company has a deep connection to the Company having developed work with Dance Base over the years through residencies, Festival performances and sharings. This new showcase also marks the first major Dance Base project for the company’s new Artistic Director, Tony Mills, which is set to showcase his bold new vision for the organisation.
With a different programme each evening, there is truly something for everyone, from playful takes on office life, to lyrical explorations of an enchanted Hebridean world, to a delightful tale about food (and being eaten!) for younger audiences.
Featuring new and reimagined performances by Bridie Gane, Jen Wren, Kirsten Newell, Mamoru Iriguchi, Taylor Han and Tess Letham, SNOW MOTION celebrates storytelling and connection, showcasing an array of live music, physical theatre, spoken word and contemporary and traditional dance.
Click here for more information on each performance.
SNOW MOTION is a celebration of Dance Base in its 20th year in the Grassmarket. As well as featuring artists connected to the organisation, it will also showcase the organisation’s history, and hugely popular programme of dance classes.
Audiences are encouraged to arrive early and take part in a fun and uplifting dance class suitable for all levels. A bar will be set up so if a class doesn’t appeal, there’s also the chance to chat with friends over some festive drinks and follow Dance Base’s history with a brand-new exhibition display in the building.
SNOW MOTION is an evening for us to come together again, raise a glass to all that has been, get in the Christmas mood, and – most importantly – dance!
This event has been made possible thanks to support from Creative Scotland and funding from Scottish Government through the Performing Arts Venue Relief Fund.
Do you have a story to tell or a memory to share about North Edinburgh Arts or the local area? We’re collecting local stories before North Edinburgh Arts closes for refurbishment.
Join writers Eleanor Thom and Luke Winter in the Story Wagon, a beautiful, purpose-built storytelling and writing caravan, situated in the North Edinburgh Arts Garden tomorrow – Wednesday 17 November, drop-in between 10am and 2pm.
Citizen is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and funded through the PLACE Programme, a partnership between the Scottish Government— through Creative Scotland — the City of Edinburgh Council and the Edinburgh Festivals.
Fourteen creative projects from Edinburgh artists and creative organisations are in motion thanks to £303,559 National Lottery funding in the latest round of Open Fund awards from Creative Scotland.
The former Fire Station at Edinburgh College of Art will house Edinburgh’s SpACE forum from 1 November to 4 December as part of COP26.
The public pop-up exhibition, event space and online venue will welcome leading designers, building environmentalists, architects and heritage organisations coming together to help raise wider understanding of the difference that can be made through more responsible approaches to design and construction.
Rab Bennetts, architect and founder of Bennetts Associates and Chair of SpACE said: “There could hardly be a more appropriate moment to engage with the public about the impact of our buildings and places on climate change.
“As the world’s eyes are on COP26 in Glasgow, our parallel event in Edinburgh can show how the changes that are essential to our homes, workplaces and public buildings are not only possible but can also result in a cleaner, healthier and more enjoyable built environment.”
Through a series of unique, site-specific, public video projection mapping artworks with original soundscapes visual artist and creator Mettje Hunnemanwill highlight and transform Edinburgh’s public green spaces and question our place in nature.
Forest VIDEOLAB will see twelve immersive audio-visual displays over twelve months encouraging audiences to reconnect with nature in new ways.
Mettje Hunneman commented: “Artistic collaborations that would not previously have been possible can now come about, and resources that were previously inaccessible are now available.
“Everybody on the Forest VIDEOLAB team is now very excited to launch these beautiful creations into the public realm.”
Edinburgh-based theatre company, SALTYDOLLS – a partnership of Estlin Love and Fiona Oliver-Larkin will research and develop ABATTOIR.
A 50-minute feminist, two woman show, ABATTOIR is born from a provocation made by Morag Deyes of Dance Base during a SALTYDOLLS residency – “When are you going to make a show about the DARKNESS of MOTHERHOOD?”
Surrogate Productionswill adapt and stage the Scottish and UK premiere of Édouard Louis’ autofiction novel Who Killed My Father in association with Platform Theatre in spring 2022.
Surrogate’s Artistic Director Nora Wardell said: “We’re excited to welcome audiences back to theatres with such a moving and empowering piece that resonates so beautifully with our changing lives today.
“A rare text for Surrogate’s second work – both a deeply personal story of love from son to father and a defiant call for social justice.”
Shortlisted for the 2020 Phil Fox Award, Nibble Nibble Gnaw is a new play by emerging Scottish playwrightIsla Cowan receiving further research and development, exploring hunger and consumption in contemporary society.
Inspired by the story of Hansel and Gretel, this twisted fairy-tale follows a brother and sister as they make their way in a monstrously middle-class world, battling addiction and disorder.
POWA (Protection of Womxn in the Arts) is a musical collective run by Ashley Stein and Siobhan Wilson which provides paid opportunities forwomen-identifying and non-binary musicians and music industry professionals to create new commissions and access mentorship, guidance, and professional resources.
Co-founders Siobhan Wilson and Ashley Stein commented: “The money we have received from the Open Fund will allow us to work with a diverse range of artists and share newly commissioned musical works with our members, helping our music and message to reach a wider audience and providing a platform where women can express their experiences.”
Following the successful release of What We Might Know in 2018, Edinburgh based band Broken Recordswill record their 5th studio album which will be released on their own label, J Sharp Records.
On receiving funding Broken Records’ Iain Turnbull said: “The album is due to be released in Spring 2022, and we’re looking forward to it building on our previous work by allowing us to show our audience a different side to the band.
“After 14 years we have a dedicated following, and this album will allow us to carry on that interaction by sharing stories and our music from a different stage of our lives to connect to what is happening in their own lives.”
Iain Munro, CEO, Creative Scotlandsaid: “It’s great to see so many projects continue to benefit from Open Fund awards.
“Thanks to the generosity of the National Lottery players, who raise £30 million for good causes across the UK every week, these awards are creating many invaluable opportunities for people and communities across Scotland to engage with the arts while enabling artists and creative organisations to develop and grow.”
A full list of recipients of Open Fund awards is available on the Creative Scotland website.
Over 30 opportunities for early career artists and creative practitioners aged 18-24 are being supported across the country thanks to a new Youth Arts Bursaries scheme with funding from the Scottish Government through Creative Scotland.
Twelve organisations across the country have been awarded over £270,000 to enable them to offer early career creatives the space, support, and platform to research, instigate, develop and share their creative projects.
The wide range of bursaries on offer includes opportunities in a diverse selection of sectors including visual arts, digital, crafts and traditional arts.
Among the range of opportunities, Eden Court will provide two six-month bursaries at £10,000 for a young artist to be embedded in the organisation’s engagement team with a dedicated mentor and support from creative producers. This opportunity will enable young artists to deliver a substantial project that will form part of Eden Court’s festive season offering.
The Work Room will collaborate with Barrowland Ballet in Glasgow to offer two early-career dance artists six-month bursaries, whereby financial support will enable the successful applicants to benefit from a supportive environment in which to instigate and develop their own creative projects.
In Orkney, Pier Arts (above) will offer a three-month opportunity with a two-week residency aimed at allowing an 18–24-year-old artist to engage with Pier Arts’ modernist art collection, network and meet with other professionals and experience Orkney’s unique environment.
Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “The Scottish Government is pleased to provide further support to young artists and creative practitioners through Creative Scotland’s Youth Arts Bursaries. This funding will help talented young people across Scotland who have been significantly impacted by the challenges they’ve faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Supporting young people is central to our approach to COVID-19 recovery and it’s good to see that these bursaries have been shaped by the young people themselves to develop specific projects to advance their artistic careers.”
The National Youth Arts Advisory Group (NYAAG) have been closely involved in the development of the programme.
Youth Arts Bursary panellist member Laura Walker said: “It was a great experience as a young person to be a part of this decision-making-panel, knowing too that other young people had been involved in the assessment process before us.
“Not only does this allow us as assessors and decision-makers to build skills and be introduced to a professional process, but it means that we have crucial youth representation throughout.”
Colin Bradie, Interim Head of Creative Learning at Creative Scotland said: “This fund, developed in direct response to feedback from young people, recognises them as professional artists and creative practitioners, and provides an important progression route, especially for those who lack the accessible support to develop their creative careers.
“For organisations, The Youth Arts Bursaries represent a valuable opportunity to work with young artists and creative practitioners and gain the opportunity to explore new ideas and innovative ways of working.
“We would like to thank the Scottish Government for their continued investment in young people through this vital arts funding which helps ensure opportunities for artists and creative practitioners in Scotland remain strong as we continue to emerge from the pandemic.”
Thirteen creative projects from Edinburgh-based artists and creative organisations are taking place thanks to more than £253,000 National Lottery funding through Creative Scotland.
And If Not Now When? – a new audio-visual installation being exhibited at National Museum of Scotland;Open Book – a project aimed at making literature accessible to diverse populations and Positive Imaginings, an innovative outdoor show presenting the issue of climate change for young audiences are among 44 projects in total sharing in £903,734 of funding.
And If Not Now When? (above) is a new work from sound-designer Philip Pinsky and film-maker Karen Lamond. The interactive audio-visual installation aims to inspire a re-imagining of our urban spaces and what our human experience of them is and can be.
The installation will be on public display at National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh from 1st to 14th November 2021 (during COP26).
Co-creator and sound designer Philip Pinskysays: “Through our work we are inviting the public to experience a transformed urban reality with the aim of inspiring social change and provoking answers to the question, how can we respond to the climate emergency?”
Open Book uses literature as a tool for combating social isolation, supporting wellbeing, inspiring creativity and amplifying marginalised voices.
Open Book’s co-founder and development director Marjorie Lotfi says: “Participants describe our groups as ‘a lifesaver’, an ‘oasis’ and a ‘way to connect’ with others when they feel isolated by geography, disability or circumstance.
“Funding means we can continue this work from Shetland to Ullapool to Stranraer, in community groups, groups for the elderly and refugees and migrants, in prisons, and in public sessions in English, Gaelic, Scots and Arabic.”
Speactramis the debut album from vocalist, lyricist and poet Marcas Mac an Tuairneir. This debut release will see Marcas embrace the Gaelic language whilst showcasing musical influences from the genres of pop, pop-folk, R&B and dance.
A key element of this new work will be an exploration of LGBTQ’s place within the Gaelic corpus.
Marcas Mac an Tuairneir says: “I am grateful to Creative Scotland for seeing the worth in me as an artist and this new development in Gaelic music.
“As an urban new speaker of Gaelic, it is important to me that Gaelic arts represent the myriad experiences of the community across Scotland and in Canada too.”
Director Arran Sheppard said: “Creative Scotland funding will enable us to bring the Positive Imaginings show to communities in Edinburgh and Glasgow during COP26, giving children from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to engage with the Climate Emergency in a creative and empowering way.”
Iain Munro, CEO, Creative Scotlandsaid: “Thanks to the generosity of National Lottery players who raise £34 million for good causes across the UK every week, our Open Fund awards are helping artists and creative organisations develop innovative projects that enrich the lives of people across Scotland, while raising questions about the important issues of our time and ensuring our collective creative voice continues to be heard.”
After an extraordinary 25 days, the 2021 Edinburgh Festival Fringe has drawn to a close, having brought artists, arts industry, media and audiences together once again to celebrate the magic of live performance.
This year, the Fringe looked very different. For the first time, audiences were able to engage with work both online and in-person, with performers, creators and producers embracing new ways to keep performance in our hearts and minds.
Shows happened in car parks, racecourses, tents and forests. There were brave new works-in-progress; exciting revivals; reimagined classics; solo shows; family-friendly shows; international showcases; sketch shows; interactive digital works; outdoor site-specific shows; walking tours; immersive experiences and late-night, mixed-bill, laugh-a-minute shows.
Some performers took the stage for the first time in 18 months, while others used the festival as a way of reconnecting with fellow artists and industry professionals.
There was support for arts professionals in new ways – with Fringe Connect offering a professional development, workshop and networking space for artists and industry, and Fringe Marketplace providing a digital platform to showcase export ready professional work from across the Fringe to delegates from around the world.
Our Street Events programme looked different, but was just as joy-filled as always, with everything from magic to live music happening in safe, managed locations from West Parliament Square to the Mound.
Street performers also went into communities across Edinburgh, while the Fringe Society worked with over 30 charities and community groups to distribute Fringe vouchers and Lothian bus tickets to give people the opportunity to experience the Fringe either in person or online.
The Fringe Society continued its commitment to accessibility. There was BSL interpretation of the street events at West Parliament Square, and a bespoke access bookings service on offer for customers who require it.
This Fringe was also a big step forward for sustainability. More performers marketed their shows digitally, through QR codes, social media and more. Our online strand meant less travel and a reduced carbon footprint for some participating artists, audiences and industry, extending our global reach even further.
We also strengthened the Fringe’s place in our local community. This year, over a third of audiences were from Edinburgh, and a further 17% were from the rest of Scotland. 44% were from the wider United Kingdom. Artists and creatives local to Scotland also added their stories to stages and screens in greater proportions than we have seen in recent years.
But that didn’t happen at the expense of the festival’s founding open access principle. 38 countries were represented on the Fringe this year, with work from nine countries featured as part of international showcases taking place. There was also increased international representation in proportion to the overall programme.
Commenting on this year’s festival, Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “Traditionally, this day in the Fringe calendar is all about statistics: how many shows took place, how many tickets were bought, and what that means.
“But this year, I’d like to stop defining success by scale. For me, that’s never been what makes the Fringe special. Success should be defined by the quality of experience we’ve all had – and what we’re hearing from performers and audiences alike is that this year’s Fringe has been hugely successful indeed.
“When registration opened in May, we had no way of knowing for sure what this summer would look like. Today, we celebrate every single show that has been brought to life. I’d like to personally thank and congratulate everyone that made it happen, as well as our audiences, sponsors and supporters who have cheered us on and offered much-needed support through this wild and unexpected year.
“We’ve still got work to do to ensure the Fringe recovers – but recovery isn’t about growth in the statistical sense. It’s about growth as a Fringe community. As we move forward with our Save the Fringe campaign and continue to champion this festival and the wider arts, we’ll be calling on everyone to help us shape what the future of this fantastic festival holds.”
Benny Higgins, Chair, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “I’d like to offer huge congratulations to everyone that made this festival happen in the most challenging of circumstances.
“I’ve been blown away by the commitment, creativity and talent of those that have worked tirelessly to bring the magic of the Fringe back to Edinburgh’s streets – and for the first time – to screens around the world.
“As we look to the Fringe’s 75th anniversary in 2022, I am looking forward to being part of a wider conversation about how we make this festival the very best version of itself. This year proved that a small amount of public sector investment can bring about positive change, and it’s crucial that investment in this hugely important festival continues. The Fringe has a big role to play in our recovery, and as we look to build a renaissance for the Fringe in the future, we’ll keep working to support those that make it happen.”
Barbara Smith, Managing Director of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, said: “It’s been a fantastic month, seeing the phased return of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and seeing Edinburgh locals and visitors get to enjoy what Edinburgh does best.
“As official whisky of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Johnnie Walker has celebrated the month with our residence ‘The Fringe Club’ on The Mound throughout the festival and gifting lucky festival-goers with exclusive prizes. We’ve our eyes firmly on the future, opening our doors to Johnnie Walker Princes Street on 6 September and joining in the celebrations once again in 2022.”
Next year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe will run from 05 – 29 August 2022. It will mark the 75th anniversary of the festival.
SPONSORS and SUPPORTERS
As a charity, the work of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society would not be possible without the valuable support of our partners, sponsors and funders.
We are delighted to be working with Johnnie Walker for the third year running as our official whisky partner.
We are proud to be partnering with the newly opened St James Quarter and are excited to be working with them this year and beyond.
We are excited to be partnering with Crowdfunder again through our FringeMakers fundraising platform, supporting Fringe artists and venues with vital fundraising efforts.
We have teamed up with Rare Birds Books to a create a limited-edition book bundle with books selected by the women behind three of the Fringe’s most iconic venues; Rowan Campbell, the General Manager of Summerhall, Dani Rae, the General Manager of Assembly and Katy Koren, who co-runs Gilded Balloon. Proceeds of the sale of this bundle will support go directly to supporting Fringe artists bring work to the Fringe.
We would also like to thank Lothian Buses for their continued support of our Fringe Days Out programme.
We’re thrilled to welcome Edinburgh Gin on board as Official Gin of the Fringe and look forward to working with them.
We are grateful for funding through the PLACE Programme, a partnership between the Scottish Government -through Creative Scotland -the City of Edinburgh Council and Festivals Edinburgh; Scottish Government for Made in Scotland through the Festivals Expo Fund – managed through Creative Scotland – and the continued support of the City of Edinburgh Council. Thanks also to Scottish Government for funds from their Get into Summer campaign.
We are grateful for funding from the Pivotal Event Business Fund, the SCVO Adapt and Thrive programme, the Foyle Foundation and the UK Government to enhance our digital capabilities.
Our thanks also to the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, the Pump House Trust and the Turtleton Charitable Trust.
With thanks to EventScotland and City of Edinburgh Council for supporting Street Events.
Thank you to Brightcove, our streaming partners, for their support in delivering the Fringe Player.
Our thanks also to our Fringe Angels, Patrons, Friends and supporters whose passion and generosity made a real difference this year.
A series of innovative creative projects from Edinburgh artists and creative organisations have been set in motion thanks to funding awarded through Creative Scotland’s Open Fund.
Over £150,400 has been awarded to nine Edinburgh based projects including a new dance platform from Dance Horizons; Page2Stage, a new writing night produced by Michelle McKay and hosted by Assembly Roxyand a family-friendly festival in Vogrie Park.
These projects are among 45 across the country sharing over £1million of National Lottery funding.
These funds aim to support creativity across Scotland for artists, organisations and creative groups as they seek to build sustainability after emerging from COVID-19 restrictions.
Innovations from Dance Horizons is a new contemporary dance platform that will support artists through the production process to share their creative practice as a high-quality finished work to audiences.
CEO and producer Oliver James Anwylsays: “As we emerge from the pandemic, this funding is incredibly valuable to ensure the success of this year’s platform.
“Dance has been one of the hardest genres to present online during the last 18 months and we are so excited to bring work to the stage for our audiences to enjoy.”
Glacial Narratives – a report from the Arctic is an exhibition that aims to raise awareness of the wonder of ice as a material and ask questions about its disappearance in the run up to COP26.
Artist Mary Walterssays: “As artists, we can add to contemporary climate change discussions by articulating the wonder we have for this amazing material that is fast disappearing.”
Page2Stage Edinburgh is a new writing night produced by Michelle McKay and hosted by Assembly Roxy that will provide a supportive environment for playwrights to gain feedback on their work and offers the audience a unique insight into the writing process.
Producer Michelle Mackay says: “We are working at grassroots level, building a network in Edinburgh and the funding means we can continue to build and develop Page2Stage providing further opportunities to create new work and partnerships.”
VOGRIE POGRIE is a free, highly accessible and family-friendly festival taking place entirely outdoors in Vogrie Park from 11-12 September with pop-up performances from clowns and storytellers, activities and workshops and activities in the park and local community beginning from 3 September.
Callum Ross, Creative Directorsays: “Trotwork Events is delighted to have received funding and have the opportunity to work with lots of great creative artists and groups again.
“Vogrie Park will come alive, and it will feel like a lovely gift to us all to enjoy. We can’t wait.”
Iain Munro, CEO, Creative Scotlandsaid: “Thanks to the generosity of National Lottery players, who raise £30 million for good causes across the UK every week, alongside equally welcome funding from the Scottish Government, these Open Fund awards continue to build resilience within Scotland’s artistic community as well as provide creative engagement opportunities to enrich the lives of people across Scotland”.
A full list of recipients of Open Fund awards is available on the Creative Scotland website.
Scottish Book Trust, the national charity transforming lives through reading and writing, has today announced the shortlist for the 2022 Bookbug Picture Book Prize. Now in its sixth year, the shortlist includes Alastair Chisholm, Catherine Rayner, David Roberts, and Zoë Ingram.
The award was established to celebrate the most popular picture books by Scottish authors and illustrators and to encourage reading for pleasure.
The shortlist is selected by an independent panel of experts including Primary 1 teachers, a children’s librarian, children’s bookseller and Bookbug coordinator as well as experts from Scottish Book Trust’s Early Years Team.
The winner is then chosen by thousands of children across the country who can cast their votes online either at school with their teacher or at home with their families, via the Scottish Book Trust website.
THE BOOKBUG PICTURE BOOK PRIZE 2022 SHORTLIST IS:
Arlo the Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep by Catherine Rayner
Inch and Grub by Alastair Chisholm and illustrated by David Roberts
My First Book of Woodland Animals illustrated by Zoë Ingram
The 2022 shortlist features an exhausted lion who meets an owl friend; competitive cavemen; and a beautifully illustrated wild animal spotter guide.
Catherine Rayner is an author and illustrator of children’s picture books. She studied Illustration at Edinburgh College of Art where, for her final degree show, she created what would go on to be her debut picture book.
Originally from Yorkshire, Catherine fell in love with the city of Edinburgh and still lives there. She was winner of the 2009 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal for Harris Finds His Feet. In 2010, she was the inaugural illustrator in residence at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
Catherine Rayner said:“I’m so excited to be on such an amazing shortlist. “I’m a huge supporter of Scottish Book Trust and all they do so this is an exceptionally special honour. Arlo is extremely excited too!”
Alastair Chisholm is an award-winning children’s author and puzzle creator. He’s the author of the sci-fi middle-grade adventures Orion Lost and Adam-2, and children’s picture books The Prince and the Witch and the Thief and the Bears, as well as books of Sudoku, Kakuro and other puzzles, including the Kids’ Book of Sudoku and Kids’ Book of Kakuro series. Alastair lives in Edinburgh with his wife and two children.
David Roberts is a children’s illustrator originally from Liverpool. He has illustrated a large number of books in both black and white and colour. He has worked with such well-known authors as Philip Ardagh, Peter Bently and Julia Donaldson.
His sister Lynn Roberts is also a writer and the siblings have collaborated on several retellings of fairy stories, including Rapunzel: A Groovy Fairy Tale, which was shortlisted for a Blue Peter Book Award, and Little Red: A Fizzingly Good Yarn, which was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal.
Alastair said:“It’s a joy to see Inch and Grub shortlisted for the Bookbug Picture Book Prize, and especially to be included in the Bookbug bag!
“This is a brilliant and vital project, and one my own daughters benefited from when they were younger – it’s wonderful now to think of my and David’s book becoming part of it. Thank you so much!”
Zoë Ingram is an artist & illustrator based in Edinburgh. With a printed textile design degree under her belt and a career in the creative arts spanning over twenty years, Zoë now focuses on client commissions and personal work.
Zoë primarily works with mixed media and digital applications, often combining traditional and digital techniques. Zoë has also recently written and published her first book, Oh My Gouache!, a beginner’s guide to painting with opaque watercolour.
Zoë said:“I’m so thrilled to be shortlisted for the Bookbug Picture Book Prize.“It’s such an honour to be chosen and I just hope that everyone who reads My first book of Woodland Animals has as much fun finding out about all the lovely animals and insects in the book as I did when I was illustrating them.”
61,000 pupils across Scotland will receive a free copy of each of the three books on the shortlist, which are given to every Primary 1 child during Book Week Scotland (15 November – 21 November), in the Bookbug P1 Family Bag.
The winner of the Bookbug Picture Book Prize will be announced in an exclusive video to all registered groups on Wednesday 26 January. The winner will receive a specially commissioned trophy and £2,000 while shortlisted authors and illustrators receive £500 per book.
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said:“Congratulations to all those who have been shortlisted for the Bookbug Picture Book Prize. We encourage schools and families across Scotland to read the shortlisted titles and vote for their favourite.
“We hope the children receiving their Bookbug P1 Family Bag will enjoy sharing these stories at home and with their classmates.”
Katalina Watt, Literature Officer at Creative Scotland, said:“The Bookbug Picture Book Prize is such a special award with its focus on reading for enjoyment and placing young readers at the heart of the selection process.
“Warm congratulations to all the authors and illustrators who submitted their stories and to those making up such a rich and varied shortlist.”
The deadline for voting is Friday 10 December 2021 at 5pm.
Musicians, bands, artists and venues will be able to apply to a £750,000 Scottish Government fund to bring new and additional concerts to venues and festivals in Scotland next year.
Scotland on Tour will support the staging of concerts across the whole nation from between January 2022 and January 2023.
Funded by Scottish Government and organised by Active Events, its decision-making panel includes representatives from across the music industry, as well as Creative Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, XpoNorth and South of Scotland Enterprise.
Participating artists, venues and festivals will be announced later this year.
Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “Due to the impact of COVID-19, I know many concerts from 2020 and 2021 have been postponed – leaving little opportunity for artists to perform new concerts in traditional venues or concert halls up until late 2022, or even spring 2023.
“So I am very pleased to announce Scotland on Tour, a fund to help artists, venues and the wider music industry by creating new concert opportunities across Scotland next year.
“The fund is not only an exciting opportunity for artists and venues, but also for Scottish audiences, who will have the chance to see the best of Scottish music right on their doorstep.”
Director of Active Events Lisa Whytock said: “The past 18 months have been exceptionally challenging for musicians and promoters around Scotland.
“This fund will allow new concerts from professional musicians to take place across the country, bringing world class performances to cities, towns and local communities whilst simultaneously supporting production companies and skilled freelancers in their delivery.
“We are extremely excited about the project and would like to wholeheartedly thank the Scottish Government for their investment.”
Head of Music at Creative Scotland, Alan Morrison, said: “At the height of the pandemic, Active Events applied to Creative Scotland’s Open Fund for a research project that would identify community partners and increase touring opportunities for musicians when restrictions finally lifted.
“This bold vision for recovery has blossomed into a new touring fund, supported by the Scottish Government, that will breathe life back into the live music sector across the entire country.
“It’s extremely encouraging to see how a seed that was sown in darker times is growing into a major year-long programme that will bring music fans and professional artists of all genres back together again.”
Further details will be announced soon as to how artists and venues can apply to the Scotland on Tour fund, which is expected to open for applications in October.
Registrations of interest to the fund can be recorded by sending an emailto info@scotlandontour.com
