Leanne Ross and Laura Aldridge are both members of Artlink supported artist collective KMAdotcom, a studio based in Midlothian that brings together a diverse group of artists in a supportive space which encourages collective and individual creativity.
Weekly workshops, over several years, sparked an invaluable connection between Leanne and Laura which has developed into a strong working relationship based around sharing ideas, inspiring, and challenging each other. The arrival of Covid last year meant that for a while workshops were on pause, but Leanne and Laura managed to keep developing ideas and working towards exhibiting at Glasgow International (GI) 2020, Scotland’s largest festival for contemporary art, through virtual studio vists, and when possible garden workshops.
It was with great disappointment, but understanding, that they found out GI would be postponed as restrictions continued. However, Leanne and Laura kept making work throughout the year, with Leanne receiving a commission from the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Trust to brighten up their Rest and Relaxation Hubs, and they were featured in ‘The National Lottery’s Portraits of The People’ in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery.
It was wonderful news to hear that GI would be running during Summer 2021 and that the group exhibition The Outside is Inside Everything We Make conceived by Laura and featuring work from Laura, Leanne, and Judith Scott could go ahead. A fantastic, colourful and vibrant show that proved the perfect tonic to the past year, the show was chosen as one of the Fleming Collection’s ‘Glasgow International: Our Highlights’.
Glasgow gallery Kendall Koppe, held the exhibition in their space South of the river. An immersive exhibition which saw works displayed against a backdrop of specially design wallpaper and window decals designed by Leanne and produced through Omnicolours Artist Award Scheme. A sense of the space can still be gathered through an in-depth video study, available online for any who missed the show, or those who want to revisit it. To accompany the exhibition, an editioned artist publication was produced which includes striking images from the exhibition alongside an essay by Nicola Wright. Copies are available to purchase through Good Press.
“As a whole, the works in ‘The Outside Is Inside Everything We Make’ are defined by material and interpretative mobility. They are slippery with meaning, full of narrative and sensory references that sometimes complete and sometimes oppose one another”. Nicola Wright, Essayist/Curator
Things didn’t stop after the exhibition ended, with Leanne and Laura going on to feature in the article ‘#ArtUnlocks…Wellbeing’ by the Scottish Contemporary Art Network, and as restrictions eased further and other largescale events were able to go ahead Leanne and Laura’s work travel down to Frieze London, with Kendal Koppe Gallery, to reach and inspire an even wider audience.
“Leanne’s debut at Frieze London was met with incredible enthusiasm. Her shout out paintings struck a chord with many viewers who felt personally connected to Leanne’s visual language. Many of Leanne’s works were placed in both private and public collections, including the Government Art Collection.” Kendall Koppe, Director – Kendall Koppe Gallery
We’re delighted to announce that ‘Me Time’ has been purchased by the Government Art Collection. Congratulations Leanne!
The Makers are group of like-minded creatives with and without learning disability. The Makers involves a wide variety of creative workshops inspired by creative interests. It’s about working with others to learn something new, develop a skill, make something, or make something happen together and to have a whole heap of fun at the same time.
During 2021 The Makers have kept connected and creative with online sessions and joyful in person workshops when restrictions eased. Over the next six weeks we’ll be bringing you a series of three updates about what they’ve been up to.
Drawing with Marcus Oakley on Zoom
Emma, Mary, Scott, David, James, Kathleen, Marc, Morvern, Kieran, David and Ben really enjoy drawing and during lockdown met weekly with illustrator Marcus Oakley to draw together on Zoom. Each week had a new theme picked by one of the Makers. Marcus Oakley would begin by getting everyone into the drawing vibe; by asking everyone to close their eyes, take a deep breath and listen to music or sounds that evoked the theme for that week. Not everyone who enjoys drawing had access to these online workshops which is why the postal project Artmail* was born.
Marcus and The Makers are going to be getting back together in the studio for the first time in a long time over the autumn…with exciting plans for a new collaboration with ethically minded Everpress printers.
*Artmail – postal art project with Marcus Oakley
The Makers Artmail project was created in collaboration with illustrator Marcus Oakley for adults who love drawing and could and couldn’t get involved in our online drawing workshops. Artmail kept growing in popularity and eventually Marcus was posting out a weekly drawing challenge to 27 people every week over lockdown.
Each week Marcus Oakley posted out a new drawing challenge to people isolated at home, who were looking for fun projects to be involved in. The Makers posted their drawings back to Marcus on a pre-stamped postcard, and everyone’s drawings were combined to create a collaborative 2 colour screen-print hand printed by Bernie Reid.
The artwork for this print/tea towel was inspired by The Makers favourite food, drink or kitchen utensil. You can purchase it through the Artlink Shop.
The Makers wanted to see others benefit from this project so it was suggested that 50% sales profit goes to Midlothian Foodbank.
“I love getting the Artmail post from Marcus, it makes me happy, I get drawing straight away, post it back and can’t wait for the next one.” Audrey Lace
Postal Sewing project between Scott Davidson & Emily Martin
Scott is all about the needle and thread, it relaxes him and he’s a prolific maker. Scott was unable to join our online workshops so Textile Designer Emily Martin starting sending him sewing projects, threads, materials and inspiration through the post each week. They had weekly phone calls over a cuppa to chat ideas and Scott would always ask for more thread. He’s still working on his large scale textile project, so still needs regular thread posting out to him. We’re looking forward to seeing the final result and getting Emily & Scott back into the studio face to face again.
The Makers are group of like-minded creatives with and without learning disability. The Makers involves a wide variety of creative workshops inspired by creative interests. It’s about working with others to learn something new, develop a skill, make something, or make something happen together and to have a whole heap of fun at the same time.
During 2021 The Makers have kept connected and creative with online sessions and joyful in person workshops when restrictions eased. Over the next six weeks we’ll be bringing you a series of three updates about what they’ve been up to.
Music Making with Caitlin
Ben, Robert, Nicola, Amanda and Marc wanted to write their own songs and make music. Multi-instrumentalist, composer and sound designer Caitlin Mulgrew started working on a series of music making workshops that will culminate in a live pot and pan samba band on the streets of Midlothian as part of Artlink’s Thursday Live project. This music making group are also going to be working in collaboration with Edinburgh University’s Community Music students over the 2021/22 autumn and spring term.
Drumming with Cammy Sinclair
James and Adam just love drumming and have been separately working 1to1 with musician Cammy Sinclair on weekly drumming studio sessions at Groove Tunnel in Loanhead.
“Before James started drumming with Cammy he wasn’t leaving the house at all, he is really enjoying the sessions and is also getting really good at drumming!”
Ferne, James’s mum
“Drumming with Cammy is by far the highlight of Adam’s week”
Sophie, Adam’s mum.
Jade & Caitlin Singing sessions
Jade is an incredibly talented singer, she loves to sing female pop singer vocals after a series of 1to1 singing sessions with musician Caitlin Mulgrew, she’s feeling confident and excited to be performing live alongside the Makers Thursday Live project next month. Jade is also hoping to join a local choir in the not too distant future, so when things open up again she can perform more regularly.
The Makers are group of like-minded creatives with and without learning disability. The Makers involves a wide variety of creative workshops inspired by creative interests. It’s about working with others to learn something new, develop a skill, make something, or make something happen together and to have a whole heap of fun at the same time.
During 2021 The Makers have kept connected and creative with online sessions and joyful in person workshops when restrictions eased. Over the next six weeks we’ll be bringing you a series of three updates about what they’ve been up to.
Theatre for the Fabulous with Suzi Morrice & Keith McNeil
Theatre for The Fabulous came about because one of the Makers, Keith McNeill, and other Makers are passionate about acting and drama. Keith likes to make people laugh, he’s a showman and naturally puts people at ease. He loves drama and wants to develop his own skills whilst helping others to enhance their acting skills. He has been working in collaboration drama professional Suzi Morrice to learn and develop the skills to co-facilitate a series of Zoom and in person drama workshops with The Makers. Keith & Suzi brain storm workshop ideas together, and support each other to run the sessions. Theatre for The Fabulous workshops have involved improvisation, drama games, creating monologues and making people laugh. When restrictions lifted this year Suzi & Keith were able to bring the whole group together for the first time for a series of in person drama workshops at The Steading in Rosewell. We’re hoping with the help of additional funding that this can become a more regular workshop.
“Totally buzzing after the workshops, loved it” Keith McNeill
Dance with indepen-dance Cheryl, Sophie, Morvern, Ben, Leanne, Emma, Marc, Amanda, Sam, David, Nicola, Audrey and Michaela love to dance. When lockdown hit we all stopped moving as much, and were stuck at home most of the time so we asked dancers Wils & Aimee from Glasgow based Indepen-dance to help get us moving again on Zoom. We posted out a series of dance props to everyone. It was so sort after we added more dates, then more after that, people didn’t want it to end so it happened every Monday morning at 11am to see us through the darkest days of lockdown from January – April 2021. Last month, we eventually all met up in person in Dalkeith Country park for a really amazing socially distanced boogie to the beats together in the park with Wils & Aimme.
“Loved it, Monday mornings were great, Wils is very funny, he makes us laugh as well as dance!” Morvern Robb
“Dancing in the park was amazing” Robert Kocaba
Due to the popularity of these dance workshops we’re working in collaboration with more local Dalkeith based KIC Dance to offer more in person dance workshops over the autumn.
Arts Access was very excited last month to host our first Vintage Club outing since March 2020.
With restrictions in Scotland lifting, Arts Access was keen to invite our Vintage Club members to an outdoor event which did not feel too crowded or busy, but which fulfilled the aims of a successful Vintage Club event – a chance to socialise while doing something new.
We decided to team up with Lissa from Joy Rides Edinburgh to offer Vintage Clubbers a trip round the Meadows on Betsy – a customised electric trishaw which takes two passengers. We had worked with Lissa to offer individual outings during the summer, and these had gone so well we wanted more people to have the chance to enjoy a stylish breath of fresh air.
Members of the Vintage Club were invited to book a time slot to take part in the day, and all eight spaces quickly booked up – lots of pedalling for Lissa!
We used Soderberg Pavilion Café on the Quartermile as our base, and offered cake and coffee to the members and the volunteers who brought them. It was brilliant to see volunteers in action again, and to meet up with people face to face.
The day was a great success, and sun even came out for us!
We’re gradually opening up, and offering more bookings and outings to Arts Access members, as well as more volunteering opportunities. Email us for more information.
Arts Access During Covid-19 2020
Artlink’s Arts Access service has been running for over 35 years, helping people who need support to go out to arts events with a volunteer driver/companion.
The great thing about Arts Access is its variety and flexibility. Our 200 clients range in age from their early 20s to over 100. People live in many different situations, some with families, some alone, others in supported accommodation, care homes, and hospitals. Over 100 volunteers come from all walks of life, from artists and archaeologists to physiotherapists, doctors and IT specialists. What unites us all is our love of going out together, and enjoying all kinds of arts events, including live performances, cultural talks, musicals, exhibitions, concerts and films.
The Covid-19 crisis has been difficult for Arts Access. Theatres and venues have been closed, and performances have been cancelled and rescheduled far into 2021. Many of our clients are shielding or have health conditions which make them particularly vulnerable to Covid-19, and others require physical support – perhaps an arm for guiding or balance – which social distancing guidelines prohibits. While online cultural content has blossomed, many of the people we work with don’t have internet access.
Working with the Scottish Storytelling Centre this summer, we arranged socially distanced storytelling.
Storytellers were matched to people based on their interests and experiences, and we travelled to Sweden and Kenya while dodging the drizzle in our Edinburgh gardens. Being together and having this face to face contact was so cheering and positive, that we are planning to offer more of these sessions during the Scottish International Storytelling Festival in October.
Volunteers have been staying in touch with our clients with regular phone calls, maintaining relationships which have been nurtured over the years. We want to try to harness this resource of goodwill and communication, and plan to gather stories about past outings, and what Arts Access means to people. We hope that collating these stories will highlight the importance and longevity of the project, and help us to feel optimistic about what the future will bring.
Edinburgh Art Festival – Rotten TV a digital residency and broadcasting studio for artists and thinkers from Indonesia, Brazil and the UK, rethinking perceptions of life, death and ecosystem renewal. Six episodes will be broadcast throughout 2021, culminating in a broadcast to coincide with the COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference taking place in Glasgow, November 2021. (Online)
Edinburgh Art Festival – Camara Taylor: holus bolus , is inspired by the tellings and re-tellings of the life and death of William Davidson (1781 – 1820). Conspirator, radical or wrongfully convicted, Davidson was the son of a Scotsman, the Attorney General of Jamaica, and a black woman. Taylor works with and against court transcripts, rumour, anecdote and regency era records and ephemera; questioning what these can tell us about Black presence – or even a single figure. (Online)
Edinburgh Art Festival – Chizu Anucha: Slump, subside and other farewells an audio work and video documentation of a live performance combining archive materials and original music. The piece will build a collective imagination of a utopian future by tuning into the temporal resonances of the many black abolitionists that visited Edinburgh in the 19th century. (Online)
Edinburgh International Festival Theatre at Home – Ariadne auf Naxos Sir Andrew Davis conducts the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in a filmed concert performance of Richard Strauss’ comedy Ariadne auf Naxos. It’s the party to end all parties. But two entertainments have been double-booked to mark the evening’s climax – a serious opera and a slapstick comedy. The star soprano is throwing a tantrum and the staff are hiding the chaos from the boss. There’s only one solution: perform both shows at the same time. (Online)
Edinburgh Festival Carnival Highlights from the three-day celebration with a vibrant mix of performances all free and brought to you on Youtube. (Online)
Breath Cycle – Scottish Opera For people with breathing difficulties and those recovering from COVID-19. Singing is a fun and creative way to improve your health and wellbeing – no experience necessary! The benefits of singing regularly are widely recognised, from improved lung function and circulation to a strengthened immune system, improved posture, and better breath control – it can even provide relief from stress and anxiety.
SCO – Musical Postcards This summer as we can’t get on the road quite yet, we will be sending out a series of musical postcards from our players to you. Coming to you from iconic locations across Scotland, as well as favourite Summer Tour venues, join us for musical moments every Friday at 1pm. (Online)
Scottish Opera: On ScreenA growing collection of Scottish Opera films, including brand new commissions from contemporary music makers, re-workings of much-loved favourites and staged concert performances. Created exclusively to be experienced on-screen. (Free) (Captioned andaudio described performances available)
Digital Season RSNO Spring/Summer 2021 Over the coming months you can enjoy nine spectacular orchestral and chamber concerts, filmed live for you in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and the RSNO’s Studio, with COVID-19 secure measures in place. (Paid)
The Dream Frequencies – Traverse (Audio Play) Journey with MJ and his contributors from dusk until dawn – from the unsettling to the bizarre to the soothing and back again – in this immersive audio theatre experience which transports listeners into the unknown and unexpected worlds inside the heads and under the eyelids of others. (Free)
When The Sun Meets The Sky – Traverse (Audio Play)Set in iconic Edinburgh locations – from summertime in the Meadows after the war, to a Beatles gig in the ABC on Lothian Road, Christmastime on the Mound in the 80s and ending up in the Port O’Leith after the turn of the millennium, When The Sun Leaves The Sky tracks Maggie through the decades as she discovers herself, her city and tries to get to the bottom of a mystery that’s eluded her since childhood. (Free)(Dementia Friendly)(Large Print, CD & DVD versions available)(Sensory Box)
The Coming Back Ball – National Theatre of ScotlandA glorious celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, and intersex elders. Your hosts for this digital event will be Karen Dunbar and Jamie Rea. The Ball will feature performances from Scottish icon and long-time project supporter Horse, the sensational performance poet Dean Atta, a contribution from Maggie Kinloch and the legendary Jo Clifford will perform a new piece inspired by the project. Look forward to music, dancing and the chance to chat with fellow Ball attendees via your zoom table. (Pay what you wish) (Audio described) (Captioned)
Dear Deelight – National Theatre of Scotland The brand-new drag-ony aunt phenomenon doling out sage advice and sassy quips. Dreary dates, bad boyfriends and rocky relationships – the Real Housewife of Leith has all the answers. (Free)
Sundown Stories – Capital TheatresSundown Stories is a series of short stories adapted for film for anyone who might enjoy a calming and relaxing story. The stories, written by and for persons living with dementia, are delivered in a calming environment, a gentle pace and soothing tone. (Free) (Captioned, some BSL, Dementia Friendly)
StageTextListings of online captioned performances, talks and events from across the UK. (Free and Paid)(Captioned)
Vocal Eyes Provides listings of Audio Described online theatre performances and events accessible to blind and partially sighted people. (Free and Paid) (Audio Described)
Dark Full Ride – Scottish BalletSet to a cacophony of music recorded by four drummers, Dark Full Ride mirrors interweaving percussive sounds with movement. This film follows four dancers as they explosively intertwine and interact on a dark and empty stage, reflecting the labyrinth of sound and changing tempos created by the drums. (Membership required – Free to sign up)
Dive – Scottish Ballet Scottish Ballet’s Choreographer in Residence Sophie Laplane partners with James Bonas (The Crucible) and film director Oscar Sansom to create Dive, a short film inspired by French artist Yves Klein and what has become the world’s most famous shade of blue. (Membership required – Free to sign up)
Odyssey – Scottish Ballet Choreographed by Scottish Ballet Soloist Nicholas Shoesmith (Catalyst, The Fates) and directed by Ciaran Lyons, this high-octane short film takes viewers on a journey through a game-like landscape inhabited by otherworldly beings, where the real and virtual collide. (Membership required – Free to sign up)
SBTV – Scottish Ballet Online Trailers, tutorials, behind the scenes videos and short documentaries from Scottish Ballet. (Free)
The Stand on DemandArchive of performances from The Stand comedy club. (Paid)
MUBI.com features hand-picked films to watch or download. From forgotten gems to festival-fresh cinema. From cult classics to award-winning masterpieces. Changes daily. (Paid)
British Film Institute Rent the latest releases, subscribe to classics and explore the best from the BFI, national and regional archives. (Paid and free)
Edinburgh Landmarks Virtual Tours of Edinburgh’s buildings, attractions, view points and famous streets. Use the arrows to move around and explore. (Free)
CCA AnnexAn online project space for interviews, films, essays, publications and performances from Glasgow’s Centre for Contemporary Arts (Free)(Accessible website options)
Night Walk for Edinburgh – The Fruitmarket Gallery Following Janet Cardiff’s voice and walking in her footsteps, as you participate in Night Walk for Edinburgh you will be led through the backstreets of Edinburgh’s Old Town, unravelling a disjointed tale – part game-playing, part surrealistic poetry, perhaps even a murder mystery – layered with history, invention and memories. (Free)
The ATYN online drawing club All are welcome to join from anywhere in the world. We can all sketch together, taking 2 hours to relax and create. (Paid)
Self-Guided Audio WalksCompiled by The University of Edinburgh a collection of walking routes and audio tours of Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond. (Free)
The National Library of Scotland Moving Image Archive (formerly the Scottish Screen Archive) has something for everyone. Explore around 100 years of Scotland’s history captured by amateur and professional filmmakers. (Free)
SCRAN Cultural heritage learning blog which offers digital access to over half a million photographs, moving images and sounds from museums, galleries, libraries, archives and the media. (Free)
Lost Edinburgh an online, interactive archive, allows its followers to share, discuss and learn from the city’s colourful past through like minded individuals and even the city’s own residents. (Free)
Historic Environment ScotlandExplore the collections online – archaeology, buildings, industrial and maritime heritage. (Free)
Pastmap.org Dig deep into the history of places in Scotland and beyond to discover fascinating insights into hidden stories and histories of buildings, towns and cities. (Free)
Tobar an Dualchais contains a wealth of Gaelic and Scots recordings such as folklore, songs, music, history, poetry, traditions, stories and other information. (Free)
MARC MY WORDS is a magazine produced during lockdown by KMAdotcom and The Makers member Marc Smith. A prolific artist and wordsmith, MARC MY WORDS showcases Marc’s diverse skillset encompassing poetry, line drawing, collage and word art, inviting you to explore his ideas and share your own.
“Tell me about yourself, let me understand what you are on about – people see each other and they go one way. Understand different people but don’t take it to the end.”
A shared interest in ideas and collaboration led to Tate Curator Linsey Young getting in touch with Marc to find out more about his work and the work of KMAdotcom. Marc, Linsey and KMA artist Laura Aldridge met up over Zoom during lockdown to discuss his practice. Read the conversation and keep up with Marc’s work on his website.
“Believe in your self. Take me to the top. Always find something to do.”
In March 2020 Artlink was asked by Mental Health Day Services in West Lothian to provide art sessions at Pentland Court, St John’s Hospital in Livingston as a part of the response to the emerging pandemic. Here adults with enduring mental ill health receive rehabilitation support in preparation for their return to community living. Being resident in hospital during these times can be incredibly isolating, mundane and does little to encourage an individual to think ahead with positivity. So, it was important for us to create an arts input that encouraged forward thinking and planning towards a time when there could be a positive and active involvement in our communities.
We mostly work in a small, adapted studio space in Pentland Court so that we can work in a socially distanced and Covid safe way. Whenever the easing of restrictions allowed, we have also made use of the well-equipped ceramics and arts studio at the nearby Howden Park Centre. We have been exploring ways that conversations about experiences during current Covid times can be visualised. The time together offers us an opportunity to look at different ways in which we can develop our ideas that reflect our shared interests and passions and think about how this work might be adapted for more public situations.
‘I Miss a Dance’ is inspired by conversations between Sharon and artist Francesca during the studio sessions. Both love music, dancing, and socialising. Their collaborative work is inspired by the things they miss. With the same energy and creativity they have shown in developing the work, they are now planning to create a series of props and backdrops for community and creative events at Howden Park Centre in the year ahead.
Continuity and the opportunity to get back involved in our studio workshops have been important over the past year. Stuart has been an ever-present creative force within our Sanctuary project at Boghall since 2015. When Stuart became unwell in 2020 he had to stay at Pentland Court for a short period. During this short time of ill health Stuart continued to explore his interest in poster making and screenprinting and when he returned home he continued this work at our studio sessions at Boghall.
We look forward to sharing the creative energy and experiences of the many people involved at Pentland Court and our other Leylines projects with others in our communities when the time comes.
2065 follows a group of rebels living outside the system. Join Frozen Light’s Archivist-Rebel in Residence as they guide you through what life was like in 2065.
Order a movie ticket and you will also receive a sensory box in the form of a Rebel Pack by post. This box will be full of the smells, tastes and textures of 2065. The Rebel Pack is accompanied by a movie link to watch as you explore your sensory items.
The maps show Edinburgh and Glasgow as a cities of nature, bringing green and blue spaces to the fore – the parks, woodlands, playing fields, nature reserves, rivers, and coastline. It incorporates symbols marking places to walk and cycle, take in views, and geodiversity sites. It shows open space rather than roads and buildings. The maps aim to stimulate us to see the city differently: to think more deeply about the cities as a places, and our place in them. It’s a resource to encourage more awareness and more action for people and nature. 2,000 free maps for schools, health settings, youth and community groups in each city were created and printed.
Article (audio version available if you’d prefer to listen)
Themed around creative responses to a unique sensory call out of the colour orange, the sound of pink noise, and the word ‘ouch!’ Gill Crawshaw takes a look at an innovative curation process developed by the Leeds-based arts collective Pyramid.
Irregular Art Schools – A Research Project Exploring Professional Development Opportunities for Learning Disabled Artists
It will co-develop and pilot different professional development opportunities with learning disabled artists from Pyramid, testing how existing structures such as artist-led spaces, universities, publishing and social care can better serve learning disabled individuals.
DYSPLA are currently in development of an Intimate XR (Extended Reality) Installation which explores touch as an artistic pursuit, from the perspective of a neurodivergent woman, specifically exhibiting traits of High-Sensitivity and Tactile Synesthesia. As part of Living Record Festival 2021, using ASMR & binaural techniques. DYSPLA is a Dyslexic and Neurodivergent arts collective based in London.
This collaboration brings virtual soundscapes of music and nature directly to audiences with Radio 3, 6 Music, BBC Sounds, BBC Two’s Winterwatch, the interactive BBC Sound Effects Archive and an innovative scientific experiment.
What seemed to start off as just another year, with a nice bit of symmetry in its numbers, became a year which we will not easily forget. The pandemic has been tough for a lot of people and highlighted inequalities that many face every day. It brought into focus that, what might have been strange for many of us, was the everyday norm for others. What we learned though is that our collective imagination, our capacity to adapt and our ability to make something out of nothing remains undimmed.
It has been amazing to witness the collaborative effort in communities and it makes us feel hopeful that this can be built on and that the future holds real positive potential. Artlink artists and staff responded to the pandemic with passion, showing amazing commitment, incredible generosity, and fantastic imagination. They rarely felt overwhelmed, worked collaboratively, brought a new energy to often complex situations, and showed what was possible.
It has been a challenging year. A year where we have learned a lot and can be inspired by what we achieved.
Thursday Live! Thursday Live! is a programme of performances curated by Artlink in collaboration with Cherry Road Day Centre, Bonnyrigg. Before lockdown, every Thursday a different entertainer would visit the centre and perform in front of an audience of staff and visitors. When visits to the centre were not possible, Thursday Live! went online. Performers filmed themselves at home, and videos were streamed to Artlink TV. More recently we have been performing in people’s gardens, tailoring each perfomance to the interests of the people.
A Frame is Not a State of Mind
Chris McAdam worked with Artlink’s Patrick O’Growney and artist James McLardy during lockdown. He spoke to James about the work they did together: “When lockdown started Paddy was trying to think about ways to keep in touch and creative even though we could not get out. Paddy had sent me a link to a video which James had shot from his window. When I watched the video, it made me want to give it a go. But most importantly I wanted to stay in touch. During the week I was making videos and sharing them through WhatsApp.” The result was amazing! View it here.
Arts Access at the Storytelling Festival
Working with the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Arts Access arranged socially distanced storytelling. Storytellers were matched to people based on their interests and experiences, and we travelled to Sweden and Kenya while dodging the summer drizzle in our Edinburgh gardens. The feedback was fantastic.
“A wonderful, magical experience. The experience brought a little bit of cultural magic into my otherwise non descriptive life.”
worked together to create a new collection, celebrating the shared energy and commitment to nurturing individual and collaborative creativity found within the KMAdotcom artist studio. In the studio, artists produce artwork together inspired by their diverse interests and practices. Collective Matter is the result of the group working together and drawing inspiration from trips to Collective’s site and regular studio visits.
Crafting with Joan
Joan is a long-time friend of the Artlink Hospital Arts programme and had been attending the workshops at the Glasshouses for many years. For anyone who knows Joan, they will know that lockdown was not going to put a stop to her creativity. Joan created this series of fun ‘Crafting with Joan’ cards: Swan |Ladybird |Frog |Dragonfly |Bee; they contain all the instructions you need to craft your own creatures. What a busy bee!
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