creativity – Page 3 – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society launches its review of the year 2022

Summary of the Society’s work over the past 12 months accompanied by headline findings from surveys

This morning the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society launches its review of the year: an in-depth look at the work it has accomplished over the past 12 months.

With unease caused by a new wave of COVID in early 2022, there was still uncertainty that a fully formed Fringe could take place this August. However, against what felt like impossible odds at times, the Fringe re-emerged in glorious technicolour, with local performers joined by artists from across the UK and 63 nations.

In June, Fringe Society President Phoebe Waller-Bridge launched the Fringe Society’s new vision – to give anyone a stage and everyone a seat. This was followed in August with the announcement of new alumni Patron, Eddie Izzard, who started her career as a street performer on the famous Royal Mile.

As the festival approached,activities to celebrate the Fringe’s 75^th anniversary took place, through memories collected from audiences and artists over the years.

The popular street events programme expanded into new areas of Edinburgh’s city centre, with over 3,200 performances taking place, and the Fringe Central participants’ hub opened its doors to over 2,100 arts industry, media, producers and visiting delegations.

Projects such as Fringe Days Out and the Children and Young People ticketing scheme returned as the Society continued with local schools and community groups. These vital initiatives supported children, young people, and those across Edinburgh who might not otherwise get to experience the Fringe.

By the end of August, over 2.2m tickets had been issued, and artists from 63 countries had performed in over 3,400 shows across Edinburgh.

Read the Fringe Society’s full review of the year 2022 at:

https://edfringe.shorthandstories.com/fringe-review-2022.

Following a year of heightened interest in the Society’s work, today the Society also announce the headline results from a mass feedback project, launched in September.

A significant part of the Society’s annual evaluation is surveying a broad group of stakeholders. This year was no different, with the largest listening drive since 2019. The Society commissioned Scotinform to facilitate surveys to registered artists, audience members, venues, workers, arts industry and media, who combine to create the Fringe ecosystem.

More than 10,000 responses across the surveys were received, with results now being used to support the development of new projects, and to target our future plans. These vital data insights also give us the evidence base we need to advocate for focused support and address some of the challenges identified by the Fringe community.

The positioning of the festival continues to be strong: 76% of audience members agreed that the Fringe is one of the most important cultural events in the world. When asked for motivations for attending the 2022 Fringe, respondents cited seeing a variety of events/performances (76%) and enjoying live performance after the pandemic (49%).

Edinburgh’s residents continue to be vital to the festival: 65% feel the Fringe makes the city a better place to live, alongside 75% who feel it makes Edinburgh a better place to visit. With the cost-of-living crisis likely to extend into 2023, 66% of audiences would like ticket offers or discounted tickets, with 91% of Edinburgh residents interested in a discount for EH postcodes.

The live experience continues to be a major motivator, with only 7% agreeing that they would like to see more online shows at the Fringe. As we look ahead to 2023, there is continued optimism from audiences, with 81% of respondents stating they are likely to come to the Fringe in 2023.

Unsurprisingly, following the intense interest in a Fringe app for 2023, 46% of audience respondents said they felt an app would have improved their Fringe experience, with 66% stating they would use an app in the future. This aligned with artist feedback, with 71% stating a Fringe app is very important to them. Work on the 2023 app is already underway and details on its functionality and launch timings will be announced in the new year.

For artists, the Fringe continues to be a core platform for artists’ careers, with 82% of those attending the Fringe for the first time doing so for professional development reasons. For returning Fringe artists, experiencing the Fringe was the biggest motivator, with 82% citing this as the main reason.

Neil Hanna Photography www.neilhannaphotography.co.uk 07702 246823

Accommodation continues to be a concern for many performers: 87% of artists felt that affordability of accommodation and living costs will be a barrier to future participation in the Fringe; however 70% of artists said they are still likely to bring a show to the Fringe in the future. Interestingly, 17% of artists did not engage directly with the Society, and as such were not aware of the full offering of services available to them such as Fringe Connect and Fringe Marketplace.

While a small sample of workers responded to their survey, the Society continues to review how we reach and support this group more. Recognising work undertaken in support of the Real Living Wage, 77% of Fringe workers said they were paid on or above this benchmark at this year’s festival. 91% were also satisfied that they had a line manager to seek help from, if and when they needed it.

In addition to the statistical information, Scotinform evaluated free text responses across the surveys. In general, there was an appetite for more information to be shared with all respondents, at more regular points of the year.

Advance detailed information was clearly sought, and as such The Society is refining its communications strategy to ensure first time, and returning artists, have the year-round support they need to attend the Fringe in the future.

Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “It’s easy to forget how tumultuous this year has been – between Omicron variants, the cost-of-living crisis and de-stabilising world events, it feels miraculous the Fringe happened at all.

“The fact that it did is a testament to the concerted effort and support of a cast of thousands, including artists, audiences, venues, media, staff, volunteers, crew, sponsors, elected officials and the city of Edinburgh itself.

“Improvements can always be made, and the insights and data gained from our recent listening exercise are already being taken forward.

“We recognise that there are ongoing challenges, and our team are working hard behind the scenes to continue to advocate for our artists, and to support audiences as they plan for Fringe 2023.”

Review-of-the-Year-2022 Download

Community Chest: regeneration specialist offers £3000 grant for Pennywell initiatives

A new fund, known as the ‘Creative Community Chest’ has launched which will support micro projects in Pennywell, Edinburgh and is established in partnership with North Edinburgh Arts and the OneCity Trust.

The initiative which has been established as part of the Pennywell Living development has been created by regeneration experts Urban Union with the City of Edinburgh Council. Scottish charities and community groups located in the North Edinburgh Arts membership area are being asked to apply for one of 10 grants of £300, that can be used to deliver creative and engaging content for the local community.

The governance, monitoring and oversight of grant distribution will be undertaken by the office of the OneCity Trust. The mission of the OneCity Trust is to fight inequality and exclusion in the City of Edinburgh.

Neil McKay, Managing Director, Urban Union, said: “At Urban Union we specialise in delivering new homes equipped for modern community living, but investing in these communities is just as important.

“We know that by working with residents, charities, and local groups we can help to create welcoming places to live and make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Kate Wimpress, Director, North Edinburgh Arts, said: “North Edinburgh Arts has worked with Urban Union for almost a decade, delivering creativity in the community and enhancing the local area.

“With support from the OneCity Trust, these fantastic individual projects allow us to build community engagement, we look forward to seeing these creative ideas come to fruition.”

Urban Union has developed 134 new homes and apartments as part of Phase 3 works at Pennywell Living and has been working in conjunction with the City of Edinburgh Council since 2014 to regenerate Pennywell, creating a vibrant residential area.

Councillor Jane Meagher, Edinburgh’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “Our regeneration of North Edinburgh is a major project for the people of Pennywell and Muirhouse and a great success story.

“It’s all about working together to improve lives, tackle poverty and inequality in the area and create beautiful new homes and community spaces residents can be proud of.

“It is great news, then, that our contractors are making this pot of money available through the OneCity Trust to local projects and charities which also promote social inclusion. The whole project provides a perfect example of community empowerment, showing how great value can be added to an area when involving those who know it best.”

The application form to apply for a £300 grant is available to download here.

Please complete the application form and send to elaine@onecitytrust.com along with the associated documentation noted on page 2 of the application form. If you have any questions, please contact Elaine McCafferty – OneCity Trust at elaine.mccafferty@onecitytrust.com or telephone (0131) 469 3856

Bed Head launches ‘Stay Headstrong’ campaign that encourages individuals to let their creativity rule

A projection by street artist Pegasus appeared across Scottish Cities this week.

Pegasus, who was close friends with Amy Winehouse, is renowned for his distinctive artwork that can be found across the capital.

Speaking on the project he said, “This campaign struck a chord with me as you need to be headstrong as an artist. It’s important to have integrity and honour your true self – by being bold with your personal style or expressing your creativity in other mediums – and not to fear what anyone else says.”

The projections of three headstrong icons – Harry Styles, Mylie Cyrus, and Munroe Bergdorf – could be seen across the city of Edinburgh with the message ‘Let Your Creativity Rule’ which encourages people to be unapologetically themselves in response to research that shows one in five Brits are told they’re not good enough.

Bed Head launches ‘Stay Headstrong’ campaign that encourages individuals to let their creativity rule

Two fifths of Brits wish they could have been braver with their hair growing up and believe their hair is the most important part of personal appearance
One in 10 look up to Miley Cyrus, Harry Styles and Vivienne Westwood as headstrong role models
Over half of Brits think their hair is an extension of their personality
The campaign has just launched a new web series fronted by FFSYTHO, Lily Phillips and Lucia Blayke to coincide with its first nationwide consumer retail launch at Boots
This year, Bed Head is supporting STONEWALL to drive awareness and help create safe and equal opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community

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Posters have appeared across the UK in all major cities

Original rebel hair brand, Bed Head, has launched ‘Stay Headstrong’, a campaign celebrating fearless self-expression and encouraging experimentation.

The ‘Stay Headstrong’ campaign is a response to new research that shows that one in five (19%) Brits admit they’ve been told they’re not good enough, with one third (30%) being made to feel inadequate at some point in their lives with regards to how they look. Of those surveyed, more than half (60%) rely on their hair to give them confidence, with two fifths (40%) claiming their hair-do is the most important part of their appearance.

As part of Bed Head’s campaign, the brand has launched ‘Chats from the Chair’, a web content series on its native platform, that features interviews from headstrong queer Grime artist FFSYTHO, cutthroat comedian Lily Phillips, and trans pride activist and creator Lucia Blayke. The interviews shed light on why the ‘stay headstrong’ attitude is so important to each of the stars and illustrates the integral role products play as tools for self-expression, enabling people to be true unapologetic versions of themselves.

When it comes to role models, the consumer research revealed people admire creative challengers Miley Cyrus,Harry Styles and Vivienne Westwood for their bold fearless nature (42%), integrity (47%) and courage to stand up for what they believe in (44%).

The results also showed that half (51%) of Brits think their hair is an extension of their personality, changing their style on average every two or three years (32%).

Of those surveyed, adopting a headstrong attitude has helped people with:

Improved confidence – 29%
To take more risks in their personal lives – 21%
To persevere after rejection – 20%

Katie Westerby, Senior Marketing Manager at Bed Head, said: “At Bed Head, our purpose has always been to champion creativity by equipping artists with elevated professional hair care products and encouraging all consumers to push the boundaries of what they can do.

“Being headstrong is not only something we embody as a brand, but a belief we want to instil in everyone who buys our products. We hope that this campaign will spark conversation and motivate new and existing Bed Head devotees, and we can’t wait to see it.”

This year, Bed Head is supporting and donating to STONEWALL a charity that stands for lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning and ace (LGBTQ+) people everywhere. In the UK, more than a third of employees don’t believe it’s appropriate for their LGBTQ+ colleagues to be out in the workplace.

In response to this, Bed Head and STONEWALL want to help create more equal opportunities in society so LGBTQ+ people feel safer in our modern society.

For more information about Bed Head’s ‘Stay Headstrong’ campaign, please visit bedhead.com

Cubes of Perpetual Light coming to Edinburgh

The Cubes of Perpetual Light will play new music commissions inspired by the themes of sustainability and growth during the Festival of Politics and Edinburgh International Book Festival

Specially designed ‘Cubes of Perpetual Light’ will come together in the Capital this summer to create a striking music installation featuring programmable light and quadraphonic sound.

The unique installation will appear in the iconic surroundings of the Parliament Garden in the Scottish Parliament, open to the public during the Festival of Politics, August 11-13 and Edinburgh International Culture Summit August 26-28.

A second installation will be installed during Edinburgh International Book Festival, 13–29 August.

The installation forms part of Dandelion, a major creative programme demonstrating the power of collective action through an ambitious ‘grow your own’ initiative that aims to reach communities across Scotland this summer.

Commissioned by EventScotland and funded by the Scottish Government, Dandelion is Scotland’s contribution to UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK.

At the centre of Dandelion, is a meeting of art and science through the creation of hundreds of unique miniature ‘growing cubes’, called the ‘Cubes of Perpetual Light’. The 1m x 1m cubes are designed to foster accelerated plant growing and have been developed to grow hundreds of seedlings under LED light, combining design craft, traditional horticultural expertise and technological innovation.

The Cubes aren’t just miniature growing laboratories however, they’re also the inspiration for new music which people are being invited to experience at festivals and venues across Scotland this summer, now arriving in Edinburgh.

The special installations are each unique, featuring a collection of cubes, with immersive lighting integrated with stunning quadraphonic speaker systems designed to best showcase the new music compositions playing ‘from’ the cubes. This is the only opportunity to hear these unique compositions in their entirety.

For those unable to visit the cube installations in Edinburgh, they will also be visiting Inverness Botanic Gardens, 15–29 August, and on display at V&A Dundee until 30 August. This activity forms part of a summer-long programme of art, music, food and science for everyone to enjoy.

Leading musicians from Scotland and beyond have created 13 new music commissions for the Cubes of Perpetual Light, all inspired by themes of nature and sustainability.

The aim of the commissions, which can only be heard at the installations, is to encourage listeners to think more deeply about how, where and why plants grow. Each new music piece is commissioned by Dandelion with additional support for international work from British Council Scotland.

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The Edinburgh installation includes 13 tracks of new music from artists:

amiina & Kathleen MacInnes: A gorgeous collaboration bridging the mighty North Atlantic, from the Outer Hebrides to Iceland. South Uist native Kathleen MacInnes, one of Scotland’s finest Gaelic folk singers comes together with amiina, from Reykjavik – a strings-and-electronica quartet whose packed portfolio includes many collaborations with Sigur Rós. This unique recording for Dandelion features Gaelic lullabies Crodh Chailein, Dhachaidh along with amiina composition blauwber’.

Arooj Aftab & Maeve Gilchrist: Arooj Aftab’s music is a breath-taking blend of Sufi mysticism, contemporary classical, jazz, ambient and much more – and this year, she became the first Pakistani woman to win a Grammy. Her stunning new album Vulture Prince features Edinburgh-born harper, composer and producer Maeve Gilchrist, and the pair are teaming up again to create new music for Dandelion.

Claire M Singer: Claire M Singer is an acclaimed Scottish composer and performer whose acoustic and electronic music draws inspiration from the dramatic landscapes of her native country. The Director of Organ Reframed, a festival of new music that reimagines the epic sound of the organ, she’s created a new multi-channel work featuring organs recorded in Aberdeenshire, Inverness, Stonehaven and Glasgow.

Vedanth Bharadwaj : Vedanth is a vocalist and composer born in Mumbai, India who trained in Classical music around the age of four, under Neyveli Santhanagopalan. He recorded two beautiful songs for Dandelion featuring himself on vocals, banjo and guitar along with Gurupriya Atreya on vocals. ‘Vrukshan Se Mati Le’ is a song written by Surdas (an Indian mystic poet from the 16th century). He writes about how one ought to learn compassion from trees. Trees neither love you more when you water them, nor do they hate you if you cut them down. It provides us shade, while bearing all the heat from the sun on its own head. If you throw a stone at it, it gives you a fruit! Lucky are we, to live in a world among trees. Surdas pleads to us to learn compassion from trees, or at least, from the indigenous people.

Craig Armstrong & Steve Jones: Craig Armstrong is a BAFTA, Golden Globe and Grammy-winning Scottish born composer. Through his orchestral writing, electronic music and wide-ranging artistic collaborations in classical and film music, Craig Armstrong’s distinct compositional voice has received worldwide acclaim. For Dandelion he created ‘Endless (Study 1)’ with guitarist Steve Jones along with School of Scottish Studies field recordings from the 1960s to create a sense of limitless space and time for the listener.

Fergus McCreadie: Fergus McCreadie is one of the UK’s most exciting jazz musicians. Combining vital jazz sounds with influences drawn from Scottish traditional music, his brilliant third album Forest Floor came out in April to universal acclaim and has been nominated for the Mercury Music Prize. His specially recorded Dandelion work ‘Life Cycle’ features piano and strings from Seonaid Aitken, Emma Pantel, Sarah Leonard & Juliette Lemoine.

Jason Singh: Jason Singh is a remarkable sound artist, beatboxer, producer and performer whose music is inspired by the natural world. Nicknamed “The Human Sampler” by Cerys Matthews, he’s worked with everyone from Sir David Attenborough to Talvin Singh. His composition for Dandelion, Droop, is a lament in response to our climate crisis. It is a collaboration between plant, humans and technology and has been created by converting the electrical signals generated by the Camellia plant into musical notes played through analogue and digital synthesisers.

Maya Youssef: Syria’s Maya Youssef is the ‘Queen of the Qanun’, an extraordinary 78-stringed Middle Eastern plucked zither. Her life-affirming music is rooted in the Arabic classical tradition but forges into jazz, Western classical and Latin music – as heard at the BBC Proms, WOMAD and now here on this special work for Dandelion: Back to Earth, Barley Blessing & Eastern Wind featuring Maya with Scottish musicians Innes White, Catriona Price, Craig Baxter, Alice Allen, Ciorstaidh Beaton and Arabic Nay player Moslem Rahal

Ravi Bandhu: Hailing from Sri Lanka, this acclaimed drummer, dancer and choreographer has taken his magnificent drum ensemble to stages as far afield as WOMAD in Reading and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.

Trio Da Kali: In a unique African / Scots collaboration Trio Da Kali brings together Hawa Kassé Mady Diabaté, Lassana Diabaté and Mamadou Kouyaté – three of the best new griot musicians from the Mandé culture of Mali – along with award winning Scots vocalist Kim Carnie & piper Ross Ainslie – to bring a fresh creative vibe to ancient traditions. These songs continue with the long-time folk culture of telling old stories from the past that pay tribute to the people who do good things for the community and talk about the importance of living in the present and enjoying what happens now.

Brian d’Souza: An award-winning sound artist aka Auntie Flo, DJ, producer and performer from Glasgow via Goa, Brian makes magic from a blend of electronic sounds and influences from around the globe. Winner of the 2019 Scottish Album of the Year Award for Radio Highlife, he recently debuted immersive installation The Soniferous Forest and for Dandelion has composed ’Spring Symphony (Sage, Basil, Mint and Lavender)’ – a biophilic soundscape that harnesses the power of nature through sound. It was created by using a Plant Wave device to pick up electromagnetic activity from the different plants which translated each into MIDI notes. These notes then literally ‘played’ samples of various traditional instruments from the Hebrides – including Clarsarch, Whistle, Flute, Pipes and Fiddle.”I then let the plants play… totally naturally to produce a kind of ‘acoustic ecology”.

Manu Delago: There’s no sound in music quite like the hang, a melodic percussion instrument invented only 20 years ago – and there’s no better exponent of it than Manu Delago, who’s performed with the likes of Björk, the Cinematic Orchestra, Ólafur Arnalds, Nitin Sawhney and Anoushka Shankar while making a succession of brilliant solo records.

Pàdruig Morrison: Accordionist Pàdruig Morrison was brought up surrounded by the culture, the music and the language of the Gaels. After bedding in the first Cube of Perpetual Light on the remote Hebridean island of Heisgeir, where his grandparents set up a pioneering experiment in sustainable living, Pàdruig is now making new music to help them grow.

This follows Dandelion’s latest project taking the Cubes of Perpetual Light on tour across Scotland throughout the month of August, traveling on specially designed electric cargo bikes.

The tour visits schools, parks, venues and Dandelion Unexpected Gardens where the commissioned music can be heard.

Music Director for Dandelion, Donald Shaw said: “Just as plants can grow from tiny seeds, great music can grow from small ideas that we nourish till they bloom into full art forms.

“The cubes can demonstrate accelerated growing in a wide range of settings, both the expected and unexpected. Placed in a particular environment they create a micro-world within a world, allowing musicians and listeners to imagine a sonic landscape that surrounds us, providing a space for contemplation and for us to imagine a future where we sow, grow and share differently.”

The Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament said: “The Festival of Politics is all about opening the doors of the Scottish Parliament to people across the country with a variety of things on offer – from debate and discussion to exhibitions and music.

“The cubes of perpetual light is an example of how sustainability and art can come together to grab people’s attention and make people stop and think. I hope many people will take the opportunity to join us.”

Marie Christie, Head of Development, Events Industry at VisitScotland said: “It’s fantastic to see so many incredible artists create new music inspired by Dandelion’s urgent themes of sustainability and our connection to the natural world.

“By fusing new music and new technologies, the cubes create unique ways for audiences to engage and connect with these issues. It’s wonderful to see the cubes travel to Edinburgh to be part of the city’s world-leading festivals, where audiences from Scotland and all over the world can experience them.”

Martin Green, Chief Creative Officer, UNBOXED said: “Dandelion is a brilliant coming together of artists, designers, technologists and scientists to make something special and important about what we eat, how it grows and how everyone can get involved in growing, wherever they live.

“Through the growing cubes, music and many opportunities to participate in growing initiatives, Dandelion is designed to inspire people to create a sustainable future. Dandelion is one of five UNBOXED projects taking place in Scotland this year as part UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK – a year-long celebration of creativity across the four nations.”

Dandelion is a joyous Scotland-wide celebration of sowing, growing and sharing. Commissioned by EventScotland and funded by the Scottish Government it is part of UNBOXED: Creativity in the UK. Dandelion reimagines our relationship with food and the planet and the way we celebrate it together.

Night out with a twist: ‘Paint and Sip’ at Edinburgh’s newest speakeasy

Edinburgh’s hottest new bar in town, Counter at Native, has revealed a new take on a night out in the city; a creative ‘Paint and Sip’ workshop. With a delicious drink in one hand and a paintbrush in the other, guests can create their own piece of abstract artwork while enjoying Counter’s classic cocktails.

The Paint and Sip Class is part of Counter’s cultural programming, bringing the best of the city’s eclectic scene to the bar’s plush surroundings and supporting local artists.

Open to all, including non-residents, the Abstract Paint and Sip Class takes place on Wednesday 10th August, 7pm – 9pm. Spaces are limited – book tickets from £35 now www.classbento.co.uk

Partnering with Class Bento, a creative workshop booking platform which supports local artists, Counter will offer a series of workshops – bringing a few hours of peace and inner bliss to Edinburgh’s city centre, in Counter’s sophisticated surroundings. First up in the series, the Abstract Paint and Sip Class will see guests guided by an expert art tutor, taking inspiration from Native’s Scottish landscape-inspired surroundings.

The perfect way to unwind after work or embrace your creative side, the tutor will guide guests to create a beautiful piece of art on canvas using acrylic paints while they enjoy some of Counter’s blissful cocktails.

From wall scrapers to cooking spatulas, guests will try out a range of tools to experiment and find their perfect match, soaking up Counter’s idyllic aesthetic. The class is completely beginner-friendly, and guests can take home their artwork to adorn their own homes, and perhaps find a new way to unwind and channel their creative energy.

Recently revealing an impressive venue refurbishment, Native Edinburgh’s new aesthetic takes its inspiration from the city itself; from the new lobby space with luxurious green hues and botanical themed prints influenced by the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens, to the wall plaques nodding to the venue’s heritage-steeped history, commemorating the birthplace of great Scottish inventors like who lived within the city.

Following the epic refurbishment, Native Edinburgh revealed the jewel in their crown, the one of a kind Counter – coffee by day and cocktails by night. Open 11am – 1am to all, including non-residents, the speakeasy serves up cocktails and wine as well as artisan coffee and bagels, ensuring guests can enjoy a nightcap before bed, or start their day with a hot coffee before setting out to explore the city.

Native’s aparthotel allows guests to ‘live like a Native’, with the freedom of a spacious apartment and the comfort and convenience of a boutique hotel, perfect for any stay in Scotland’s capital. Counter is set to host everything from spoken word poetry and DJ sets, plus record listening sessions every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in Native’s stunning lounge.

Soundtracking an evening of well-crafted cocktails, Native’s upcoming record listening sessions include albums from Diana Ross and Earth Wind and Fire, as well as Oasis’ ‘Definitely Maybe’ and The Beatles ‘Abbey Road’, ensuring an eclectic mix of the very best music.

Keen to encourage guests to unwind and enjoy the records the way they were intended, Counter’s listening sessions take place from 6pm – 8pm with residents and non-residents encouraged to enjoy the 12 “ vinyl spins. Whether sipping on a Whisky Sour or Espresso Martini or even enjoying an Edinburgh Whisky Tea, Counter’s record listening sessions will be the perfect companion to a late summer evening.

With 82 apartments comprising studios, one bedrooms, and ground floor leisure and co-working spaces, Native Edinburgh provides the flexibility and amenities of a design-led boutique hotel, coupled with the space, comfort and privacy of a home from home.

Native’s show-stopping new rooms are available to book now via www.nativeplaces.com and Counter is open seven days a week from 11am to 1am.

Counter at Native Edinburgh

Wednesday 10th August

6-8pm: Record Listening- Aloe Blacc, Good Things

7–9pm: Abstract Paint and Sip class. Book now classbento.co.uk/abstract-paint-and-sip-class-edinburgh-0

Thursday 11th August

6-8pm: Record Listening – Diana Ross, Diana

Friday 12th August

6-8pm: Record Listening – Earth Wind and Fire, I Am

For full programming, visit www.nativeplaces.com/whats-on-edinburgh

Collective announces Satellites Programme 2022 participants

We are delighted to announce the participants of Satellites Programme 2022 following our open call and selection process earlier this spring.

Satellites is Collective’s development programme for emergent creative practitioners based in Scotland and lies at the core of our mission and creative vision. We aim to support participants to better understand and navigate the sector; equipping them to sustain a creative practice and foster criticality through peer development and reflection.

This year’s practitioners were selected by artist Rabiya Choudhry, curator Sara Greavu, and writer and artist Jeda Pearl:

Thomas Abercromby

Thomas is a Glasgow-based artist and curator. His work often focuses on complex questions concerning gender, race, sexuality and class, and centres around the challenging of societal power structures. Recent projects include The School of Abolition; You’re Never Done, and the Glasgow Seed Library.

Kaya Fraser

Kaya is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Perth. Kaya works with analogue photography, film, writing and sound to explore the rose-tinted memories of working-class upbringings – her own included. Kaya has worked with Creative Dundee on the Full Picture commissions and held the position of Socially Engaged Artist in Residence 2021 at Mount Stuart, Isle of Bute.

Matthew Rimmer

Matthew is a Glasgow-based artist who creates succulent and vibrantly coloured sculptures, drawings and paintings concerned with the ideologies of nature. He also explores the relationship between plastic and queerness. Recent exhibitions and events include Shocked Quartz, Ugly Duck, London (2022); First Outing, Abingdon Studios, Blackpool (2021), and Air Diving, 16 Nicholson Street, Glasgow (2021).

Rabindranath X Bhose

Rabindranath X Bhose is an artist and writer based in Glasgow. He graduated from the School of the Damned D.I.Y. MFA in 2019. His work centres around sacred transness, spiritual transformation, and (healing from) trauma. Recent projects include In Touch, Embassy Gallery (2021) and group show Platform: 2020, Edinburgh Art Festival (2020).

We are excited to support these practitioners over the coming months. Some of the new works produced will be presented as public events, exhibitions, publications and workshops: watch this space!

Art Buds in Muirhouse Family Day

SATURDAY 9th JULY 10.30 – 12.30

Art Buds in Muirhouse Family Day

Art_Buds_Collective will be holding their next Family Day on Saturday 9 July, 10.30am-12.30pm at Granton Beach, and you are invited to come along and bring your family to join in the creative fun. Free, simply drop in!

Art Buds in Muirhouse offer FREE outdoor art classes inspired by nature for children in Muirhouse (postcodes EH4 4, EH4 5, EH5 1, EH5 2) and the surrounding area, and they’re running their July Summer Camp from 18 to 22 July.

We have some final places for children aged 3 – 6 in our morning and afternoon groups.

Find out more and sign up at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/358458768827

Art Buds in Muirhouse are supported by Creative Scotland

We’ve Been Heard: Young people speak out on Access All Arts funding

MORE than one hundred young people with additional support needs have taken forward creative arts projects as a result of funding from the Access All Arts Fund, led by national charity Children in Scotland.

The fund, delivered through Creative Scotland’s Nurturing Talent Fund: New Routes programme, distributed £68,000 to young people across Scotland, supporting projects ranging from dance to drama and visual art to television.

As a result of the fund’s success, Creative Scotland will be supporting a second phase of the project from 2022-23.

A report on the first year of the Access All Arts Fund, capturing its aims, approach, impact and recommendations, is published today.

Click here to download the report

The Access All Arts Fund was established specifically to support children and young people with an additional support need or disability, a community who have experienced significant challenges during the pandemic.

Children in Scotland recruited four children and young people with a range of additional support needs as panellists to lead the design of the fund, make decisions about funding and support creative initiatives. The panel comprised young people aged 12-25 from West Lothian, Stirling and Glasgow.

With year one of the fund successfully completed, recruitment of young people to take part in the year two panel will begin shortly.

Activity in 2022-23 will have a strong emphasis on wellbeing and a continued focus on young people as project co-designers.

Ryan Cuzen, one of the panel members who took part in the project over the past year, said: “Having young people with lived experience of a disability or additional support needs involved in the design of funds, training programmes and opportunities is vital.

“It shows we are being listening to, included and our ideas and voices are being heard.”

David Mackay, Policy & Projects Manager at Children in Scotland and Access All Arts Fund project lead, said: ““It’s been fantastic to work with the young people on our design panel over the past year and to see the incredible response to the fund.

“The Access All Arts Fund has had a significant impact on many children and young people’s lives – helping them to improve their wellbeing, learn new skills and open up new creative opportunities. We are delighted that Creative Scotland has announced it will be supporting a second round of the fund in 2022.

“We look forward to continuing to support children and young people with additional support needs or a disability to access the arts and realise their full potential.”

Sarah Mcadam, Youth Arts Programme Manager at Creative Scotland said: “The high demand for Access All Arts in 2021 showed us the important role that arts and creativity was able to play in the lives of children and young people who were experiencing significant challenges during the pandemic.

“We’re thrilled that through renewed support, this programme will give more children and young people opportunities to lead on decision-making and access the funding they need to bring their creative ideas to life.”

Recommendations in the report on year one of the project include:

Creative Scotland should continue to fund Access all Arts. The fund has been successful in reaching a previously under-represented community and evaluation suggests it has had a positive impact for many young people.
Creative Scotland and Children in Scotland should share key learning from the project with policy leads and decision-makers, identifying opportunities to influence other initiatives designed to support children and young people’s learning and wellbeing following the pandemic.
In additional rounds of the fund, increased time and financial resource should go to outreach work and building relationships with organisations supporting specific communities (for example, deaf children and children and young people with a visual impairment). This would encourage a wider diversity of applications to join the design panel and an increased range of applications.

The fund was open for applications from 11 August – 13 September 2021 and received 236 submissions from children and young people aged 11 to 26.

A large number of applications included requests to purchase items ranging from drawing and painting materials to musical instruments or photographic equipment.

Funding allowed children and young people to attend music, dance or drama tuition classes, realise zine-making projects, progress their song-writing ability and learn silversmithing skills and clothing design.

Evaluation of the project concludes that the fund:

Provided opportunities for children and young people to explore their unique personal interests and passions
Gave them autonomy and agency to develop projects and learn new skills while supporting their wellbeing
Created opportunities for them to overcome barriers and try new creative experiences and, in some cases, supported career development opportunities.

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Edinburgh film-makers shortlisted in FilmG Gaelic Short Film Competition

Filmmakers taking part in this year’s prestigious Gaelic short film competition FilmG 2022 have been inspired by nature, environmental issues and the great outdoors – with many of the shortlisted films exploring these topics.

Many films followed this year’s competition theme Lorg, which means search, find or trace, it could even be interpreted as footsteps, with some shortlisted films exploring the outdoors, getting closer to nature and appreciating and protecting the environment.

Nominees have now been confirmed across 17 categories and all the shortlisted films are available to watch on the FilmG website.

The competition received 91 entries this year, which covered various different stories and current events, and the judges had a tough job whittling down the entries over multiple days.

On the environmental theme, eponymous Uilleam Uaine (Green William) is in Staffin to help the pupils to make the right choices for the environment, in a film of the same name which was written and produced by pupils at Staffin Primary School on the Isle of Skye. It has been shortlisted as the Best Production (Under 12).

And a film by pupils at Sgoil Bhagh a’ Chaisteil on the Isle of Barra called ‘Cosgais A Churaim’, (The Cost of Caring) which looks into the effects of disposable face masks on our environment, has been nominated for Best Documentary.

Dihaoinean airson Teachd (Fridays of the Future) tells the story of a scientist who wants to save the world with a potion she has invented to create an Eco Superhero. However, the wrong people keep drinking it!

Made by pupils at Craighill Primary School in Tain, this film has also been shortlisted as the Best Production (Under 12).

Gaelic Medium pupils at Oban High School have been nominated for ‘GOP 26’, which is about an environmental conference GOP26 taking place in Glasgow with leaders from all over the world making speeches, but one of the speakers mysteriously goes missing. The film was shortlisted for the quality of the spoken Gaelic throughout.

Several films explore the great outdoors including a film about hillwalking and scrambling as a way to get a new perspective on the world from beyond the cold, dark glens and high above the clouds.

Called ‘Thar Nan Sgòth – Beinn Eighe’ (Above the Clouds – Beinn Eighe) this film, made by Anndra Cuimeanach from Gairloch, has been nominated for Best Documentary and Best Young Filmmaker in the Youth Category (12-17).

Also in the Youth Category a film by Emma Rose Passmore from Harris called ‘Falaichte Ann an Roghdal’ (Hidden in Rodal) which looks at the secret history of Roghdal in Harris, has been nominated for Best Documentary and Best Young Filmmaker.

In the Open category a short documentary called ‘A’ Mhuir’ (The Sea) about wild swimming and the students at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in the Isle of Skye who take part in the sport, has been nominated for Best Film, Film Duthchais, Best Performance (Somhairle MacIain), Best Student Film and Best Director (Anna Garvin).

‘Am Buaile Dubh’ by Eòghan Stiùbhart from Inverness, which takes a look around Am Buaile Dubh on the outskirts of Inverness, has been nominated for Best Film, Film Duthchais (which translates as best heritage or community film), Best Performance (Eòghan Stiùbhart), Best Director and Best Script.

While a spoof of outdoor programmes called ‘Rachamaid’ by Ross Young from Inverurie has been shortlisted for Best Performance (Ross Young) and Best Student Film.

And ‘Eilean Lois’ (Lois’s Island) by Somhairle MacIain from Glasgow, which follows him and his girlfriend, Lois, as they cycled the Hebridean Way in the summer and he teaches her to speak Gaelic on the trip, has been shortlisted for Best Student Film.

This is just a few of an array of fantastic films by talented filmmakers, schools and community groups from across Scotland that have made it to the shortlists for the FilmG 2022 Short Film Competition.

Karen Elder, a journalist for An Là is a Scottish Gaelic-language news programme broadcast on the Gaelic-language channel, BBC ALBA, was one of the judges this year.She said: “It was a privilege to once again be a part of the judging panel for FilmG. There was a wide variety of films entered, from strong documentaries to comedy. It was no small task.”

You can watch shortlisted films on the FilmG website. FilmG is the Gaelic short film competition, funded by MG ALBA and delivered by Cànan Graphics Studio on the Isle of Skye.

The winners of this year’s prestigious Gaelic Short Film Competition FilmG will be revealed on BBC ALBA from 9pm on Friday, February 25 via a new, specially created, awards programme broadcast from Stornoway.

The show will be hosted by FilmG and BBC ALBA stalwarts Fiona MacKenzie and Niall Iain MacDonald.

For more information, www.filmg.co.uk

Shortlists:

Youth (Under 12) Category

Filmmaker	Location	Film	Category	Link to Film	Description
Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghleann Dail (Glendale Primary School)	Glasgow	Deiseil neo aindeiseil?	Best Film (Under 12)	https://youtu.be/JXLuSzXW0lk	Things go wrong when a group of pupils try and play a game of hide and seek instead of learning about it. Where did Penelope go?!
Bun-sgoil Achadh na Creige (Rockfield Primary School)	Oban	Lorden Bino agus Ned	Best Film (Under 12)	https://youtu.be/axhZ-LBu_yw	Lorden, Bino and Ned have told the dinner ladies at Rockfield Primary School that their food is not good enough and they will make school dinners better.
Sgoil Staffainn (Staffin Primary School)	Isle of Skye	Tearlach san Eilean	Best Film (Under 12)	https://youtu.be/eWOxlGeXD5E	Prince Charles visits Staffin
Bun-sgoil Dun Bheagan (Dunvegan Primary School)	Isle of Skye	Air Chall ‘s Air Lorg	Best Film (Under 12)	https://youtu.be/J_eMMxhCzrc	Will one young girl’s conscience help her do the right thing?
Bun-sgoil Thaigh A’ Chladaich (Sandbank Primary School)	Dunoon	Coignear Air Chall	Best Production (Under 12)	https://youtu.be/U2xnw4qEA5U	Five Children go to Kilmun on Halloween. Did they get away safely? They met a strange family – the Adams Family!
Sgoil Staffainn (Staffin Primary School)	Isle of Skye	Uilleam Uaine	Best Production (Under 12)	https://youtu.be/s4wPduOWU04	Uilleam Uaine is in Staffin to help the pupils make the right choices for the environment
Bun-sgoil Cnoc na Creige (Craighill Primary School)	Tain	Dihaoinean airson Teachd	Best Production (Under 12)	https://youtu.be/MDHwFPaTmVM	A Scientist wants to save the world with a potion she has invented – to create an Eco Superhero. However, the wrong people keep drinking it!
Bun-sgoil Ghlinn Urchadain (Glenurquhart Primary School)	Drumnadrochit	An Iuchair Draoidheil	Best Production (Under 12)	https://youtu.be/iQm8t4qOMGM	A student finds a magic key and brings it into class

Youth (12-17) Category

Filmmaker	Location	Film	Category	Link to film	Description
Parker Dawes	Ardnamurchan	Spies-R-Us	Best Film (Fluent), Best Production, Best Young Filmmaker, Best Performance (Parker Dawes)	https://youtu.be/yRN6I9rNduo	Seumas McGuffin, the best spy in the world and friend Iain stole a secret file from the most secure facility in Scotland. Here’s what happened.
Àrd-sgoil an Òbain (Oban High School)	Oban	GOP 26	Best Film (Fluent)	https://youtu.be/CtVGNy2PsSg	GOP26 is taking place in Glasgow and world leaders are making speeches. But one of the speakers has gone missing!
Àrd-sgoil Ghearrloch (Gairloch High School)	Gairloch	An Sithiche Mu Dheireadh	Best Film (Fluent)	https://youtu.be/zt9k4zzFTfg	The Gille Dubh, has lived in the Gairloch area for centuries.But after the laird had hunted him, he was not seen again … until he appeared in our own day
Finlay agus Calum Morrison	Glasgow	An Taigh-Òsta	Best Film (Fluent), Best Performance (Finlay Morrison)	https://youtu.be/ziIP9d-EUg4	Iain and Donald McRamsay explore the goings-on in the fictional village of “Ochanish”. There are some interesting characters staying there!
Àrd-sgoil Ile (Islay High School)	Islay	Easga Bhuidhe na Feidh	Best Film (Learners)	https://youtu.be/oARMiRNVzyQ	Is Easga Bhuidhe na Feidh as fearful as legend suggests? A group of Islay teenagers try to find out.
Acadamaidh Pheairt (Perth Academy)	Perth	An Amaladh a Chèile	Best Film (Learners)	https://youtu.be/2QHIWzyBXOQ	A small group of pupils leaves a classroom and see a poster offering a reward for the capture of an escaped llama.
Àrd-sgoil Tobar Mhoire (Tobermory High School)	Mull	Seumas Snasail	Best Film (Learners)	https://youtu.be/3gS9zxAlx7I	A young girl goes to extreme lengths to meet her idol. Is meeting your heroes ever a good idea?
Acadamaidh Allt a’ Mhuilinn (Millburn Academy)	Inverness	Flòraidh	Best Film (Learners)	https://youtu.be/h12m98PjC54	Can you ever be sure who you’re talking to when you meet someone online?
Àrd-sgoil Phort Rìgh (Portree High School)	Isle of Skye	Cuidhteas	Best Production, Best Performance (Iseabail MacRae)	https://youtu.be/rcEFfex-0v4	Three respectable wives in the Victorian Era plan a way to find independence from their husbands
Àrd-sgoil Loch Abar (Lochaber High School)	Fort William	Gàidsear Chreutairean	Best Production, Best Performance (Calum Stewart)	https://youtu.be/nZmPTyQF8IY	When there’s something strange in your school, who will you phone? Gàidsear Chrutairean (Creature Catcher)!
Àrd-sgoil Aird nam Murchan (Ardnamurchan High School)	Ardnamurchan	Beatha Iain Lom	Best Production	https://youtu.be/Rfq93GwOv_s	From birth to death- scenes from the life of one of Scotland’s best known poets.
Anndra Cuimeanach	Gairloch	Thar Nan Sgòth – Beinn Eighe	Best Documentary, Best Young Filmmaker	https://youtu.be/RScxxJ-3WGE	Sometimes we have to leave the cold, dark glens and climb high above each cloud. There we get a new perspective on the world.
Emma Rose Passmore	Harris	Falaichte Ann an Roghdal	Best Documentary, Best Young Filmmaker	https://youtu.be/ejf_w648ZVY	A look around the secret history of Roghdal in Harris
Keri NicIain	Inverness	Latha na Deuchainn	Best Young Filmmaker	https://youtu.be/bnzta6WQjLI	It’s exam day for the Gaelic pupils. This film picks up on the different types of student (and teachers) that you encounter during exams!
Sgoil Bhagh a’ Chaisteil	Isle of Barra	Cosgais A Churaim	Best Documentary	https://youtu.be/_0MUTOpstAQ	A look into the effects of disposable face masks on our environment.
Àrd-sgoil MhicNeacail (Nicolson Institute)	Isle of Lewis	Ceannairc	Best Documentary	https://youtu.be/hzLk-AyZRJQ	Twenty years after the 9/11 attacks, Nicolson Institute S3 students take a look back at history.
Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu	Glagsow	Fo Bhruid	Best Performance (Shreya Saul)	https://youtu.be/J99RYIxIQlY	A group of friends have to follow a number of clues to find out what has happened to their missing friend.
Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu	Glasgow	Murt Matamataig	Best Performance (Eylana McCormack)	https://youtu.be/GB_UQI3E7PE	When the maths teacher is murdered, it is up to the class to figure out who amongst them is the murderer.

Open Category

Filmmaker	Location	Film	Shortlisted for
Alina Brust	Edinburgh	An Taigh Solais	Best Film, Best Student Film, Best Director (Alina Brust)	https://youtu.be/EYN7y0ih9vY	A shepherd and her sheep are trapped in a strange lighthouse.
Innes MacLeod	Isle of Lewis	Cudaig	Best Film, Film Duthchais, Best Director (Innes MacLeod)	https://youtu.be/BNe8wEbmbIs	Cudaig’s life as a Coastguard volunteer.
Cursa TBh Sabhal Mòr Ostaig	Isle of Skye	A’ Mhuir	Best Film, Film Duthchais, Best Performance (Somhairle MacIain), Best Student Film, Best Director (Anna Garvin)	https://youtu.be/0VAitEe_uVE	A short documentary about wild swimming and the students at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig who take part in the sport.
Eòghan Stiùbhart	Inverness	Am Buaile Dubh	Best Film, Film Duthchais, Best Performance (Eòghan Stiùbhart), Best Director, Best Script	https://youtu.be/yeKqd4ak_0k	A look around Am Buaile Dubh on the outskirts of Inverness
Ross Young	Inverurie	Rachamaid	Best Performance (Ross Young), Best Student Film	https://youtu.be/oxjOk9mSy6I	A spoof of outdoor programmes.
Somhairle MacIain	Glasgow	Eilean Lois	Best Student Film	https://youtu.be/JLQZtS7A9QU	In the summer me and my girlfriend, Lois, cycled the Hebridean Way. Lois does not speak Gaelic but I try to teach her some on our trip
Comunn na Gaidhlig	Nationwide	Lorgan Caluim Cille	Film Duthchais	https://youtu.be/aJkvxxkSOlA	It is the 1,500th anniversary of the birth of St Columba. The Comunn na Gàidhlig team works throughout Scotland and seven of our Iomairtean Cànain (language initiatives) looked for local links with Colmcille
Marcas Mac An Tuairneir	Edinburgh	Crò-naomh	Best Performance (Marcas Mac An Tuairneir)	https://youtu.be/bfDLBEPTG3I	A film-poem by Marcas Mac an Tuairneir with the poem’Crò-naomh’ (‘Sacred Heart’)
Robbie MacLeod	Edinburgh	Lorgan	Best Performance (Robbie MacLeod), Best Script	https://youtu.be/iqY422knVeg	A film poem examining the things that go out of view, and the traces they leave behind them.
Clas Gàidhlig Chamelon	Falkirk	Làrach eucoir anns a’ Ghearasdan	Best Performance (Julia Gull), Best Script	https://youtu.be/R8xJpTJtuxo	A crime was committed in Fort William and the neighbours are shocked. A police officer narrows down the suspects to four people and interviews them.
Cheryl Heggie School of Dance + Sìne na Screen	Inverness	Thòisich e le Sreothart!	Best Script	https://youtu.be/IQ4yRWtaqbY	It started with a sneeze! The entries for the Highland dancers scatter everywhere and they end up in the wrong competitions at the Highland games

Events line-up to enrich climate conference

A 10 metre tall puppet, STORM, will make an appearance in Glasgow and many projects are already well underway in the run up to the climate conference, including the launch of Climate Beacon hubs in seven locations across Scotland.

STORM is a huge sea-goddess puppet made entirely out of recycled materials with oyster shells for eyes and kelp for hair and is created by Vision Mechanics. She is due to walk in Govan on 10 November.

Led by Creative Carbon Scotland, the Climate Beacons project is a collaboration between climate change, environmental, arts, heritage and cultural organisations to stimulate long-term public engagement in climate change. The hubs throughout Scotland, including Argyll, Caithness and East Sutherland, Fife and Inverclyde, will provide information about climate change in each local area.

The hubs will be run as sustainably as possible with many of the projects and activities using recycled materials.

For instance the Message in a Bottle project in the Outer Hebrides will send messages to people at COP26 in plastic bottles washed up on the beach and the Midlothian hub at the National Mining Museum Scotland will feature outdoor clay sculpture that will eventually degrade back into the earth.

Creative Carbon Scotland’s film, Climate Action Needs Culture, made in collaboration with national cultural and heritage organisations, will be shown to a variety of cultural leaders and policymakers on November 5 as a virtual event.

Scotland’s five national performing arts companies, each receiving regular support from the Scottish Government, are among the many cultural organisations across Scotland organising events around COP26.

On 31 October, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra will premiere Symbiosis, a new commission for strings in a 20 minute video. The Royal Scottish National Orchestra will give a pop-up performance at ScotRail’s Haymarket Station on 1 November to welcome delegates to COP26 while the RSNO Junior Chorus will perform a selection of specially commissioned Green Songs in the official COP26 Green Zone the following day.

Scottish Opera have launched an intergalactic view of climate change in The Last Aliens, an opera for primary children. Schools can access the production online now with live tours planned next year.

Schools and communities across Scotland and India have created 100 shoes for a digital shoe shop as part of Millipede, the National Theatre of Scotland’s collaboration with ThinkArts, a Kolkata-based children’s organisation. Launching on 1 November, the interactive art installation will explore personal responses to climate change and carbon footprints through a range of creative activities.

Culture Minister Jenny Gilruth said: “With the world’s spotlight on Scotland, COP26 in Glasgow is a once in a lifetime event and our cultural organisations have risen to the occasion by programming an impressive line-up of live and online activities to engage audiences at home and abroad.

“The Scottish Government is proud to support the cultural and heritage sectors as they have a major role to play in encouraging debate around environmental issues.

“Climate change affects us all and it’s heartening to see so many communities taking part in these projects to create a lasting legacy for future generations.”

A dedicated website, Culture at COP, for all cultural activities around COP26 has been set up by Museums and Galleries Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland and the Climate Heritage Network.