Major new artists’ residencies for Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
Delivering the annual Sabhal Mòr Ostaig lecture, Andrew Dixon, the Chief Executive for Creative Scotland, has set out plans for an ambitious artists residency programme that will be unrivalled in Europe.
Addressing the assembled audience at the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture on Skye, he said that Creative Scotland’s Creative Futures programme will promote individual talent and have wider benefit for places, communities and younger artists. The programme will focus on talent development, skills enhancement and innovation.
Mr Dixon announced that Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, as one of Creative Scotland’s key partners, would deliver a residency with particular emphasis on the Gaelic arts. This will include managing a three-year programme of residencies in the visual arts, music and literature, with additional investment for a new Gaelic drama residency in partnership with the RSAMD.
Mr Dixon said:
‘Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is an inspirational place for artists to live and work and that’s why we’ve chosen here to announce Creative Futures, our major artists’ residency programme. With almost 200 residencies each year, Creative Futures as a programme will be unrivalled in Europe. Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is at the heart of promoting Gaelic culture and will be one of our primary residency hosts, strengthening its role as a key partner for Creative Scotland and reinforcing the role that places across the country contribute to a creative Scotland.’
Professor Boyd Robertson, Principal of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig said:
‘The arts have been at the heart of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig since its foundation in 1973 and the College has hosted a succession of eminent writers, musicians and visual artists, including Aonghas MacNeacail, Maoilios Caimbeul, Iain MacDonald, Allan Henderson, Kate Whiteford and the hugely influential poet Sorley MacLean.
‘We are committed to fostering cultural and creative partnerships across Scotland and we are currently advertising for an Arts Development Officer, further demonstrating the importance we place on the arts in the revitalization of the Gaelic language.
‘We are delighted with the recognition Andrew Dixon has given to the College’s vital role in the development of the Gaelic arts and the support he has announced today for the consolidation and extension of the Sabhal Mòr residency programme. We look forward to working with Creative Scotland to promote Gaelic Scotland’s rich culture and artistic talents to a local, national and international audience.’
Click here if you wish to view the lecture online