Findhorn Bay Arts release positive report on art and community Combine to Create programme
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A new learning report highlights the value of creative residencies in Moray communities.
The ‘Combine to Create’ programme was developed by Findhorn Bay Arts (FBA) in partnership with artists, supported by community and cultural organisations - including The Glasgow School of Art’s (GSA) School of Innovation and Technology - in Moray and beyond.
FBA creative director Kresanna Aigner confirmed the document details how the programme works and the impact it has had.
She said: “Culture and creativity offers innovative ways to address challenges felt by communities. We want to act as a conduit for dialogue between residents and artists to explore how creativity can amplify voices; find solutions and develop connections while encouraging ambition and providing space for innovative thinking.”
Building on previous work and reflecting on the impact of the covid pandemic, creative residencies tested and inspired new ways of working between artists and communities.
Combine to Create was part of a network of 26 ‘Culture Collective’ projects across Scotland funded by Creative Scotland and the Scottish Government. The programme’s ethos is to share learning and support.
The report confirms phase one of Combine to Create employed 14 artists working with 1412 participants; delivered 288 workshops and community engagement events across Moray including in Forres and Findhorn, Lossie, Elgin, Buckie; participated in 50 networking events; and supported 44 artist and developmental events.
Initiated during the pandemic, the programme had no predetermined plan but was designed to be responsive and flexible, as well as to support FBA’s long-term work embedding artists in communities.
An evaluation framework was co-created with GSA to identify its value, share best practice and inform future learning.
Artist Kate Mackay said: "Programme participants were afforded the rare opportunity to participate in a group activity and setting that was completely tailored to suit their needs."
A Buckie Community Hub participant added: “Community workshops are an important part of lifelong learning. They bring communities together, improving health and wellbeing. The positive impact of art and creativity was clear to see”
Post Combine to Create, a range of developments have emerged including a new pilot associated artist programme that will help artists continue to connect with FBA and tsiMORAY in monthly meetings.
Moray Women’s Aid secured funding through the Moray Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund to recruit Forres artist Jen Cantwell, following her residency.
Kate MacKay, will continue working with families living with neurodivergence through funding secured from Creative Scotland’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund.
And new small halls and community residencies will be happening as part of the fifth Findhorn Bay Festival in September.
tsiMoray partnership development lead, Elidh Myrvang Brown, helped FBA with Combine to Create.
She said: “Our partnership has gained strength and the ambition to connect people to create change.”
Head of Place, Partnerships and Communities at funder Creative Scotland, Karen Dick, added: “The report demonstrates the wide-ranging and positive impacts of culture, developing pathways to creative careers and supporting sustainable communities in Moray.”
To view the report, visit https://findhornbayarts.com/projects/residencies-commissions/combine-to-create/
