Findhorn Bay Arts wins Scottish Highlands and Islands Rural Economy Rural Creative Award
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A FORRES-based company has won a Scottish Highlands and Islands Rural Economy (SHIRE) award for its community work.
Findhorn Bay Arts (FBA) was named as a winner in the ‘Rural Creative’ category during an online ceremony celebrating Scotland’s rural economy - judges described FBA as growing from a one-day artistic event to a year-round programme of cultural activities “doing a fantastic job of filling a cultural gap”.
FBA director Kresanna Aigner explained when lockdown hit, FBA consulted partners on how creativity could help.
She said: “We listened, talked and adapted. We rolled out a programme. The award represents collaboration to bring hope by connecting our communities.”
The SHIREs organisers believe modern rural Scotland is driving the economy with talent, natural resources, history and a uniqueness which adds value to its produce. The awards recognise that 20 per cent of the population lives in rural areas and a large part of the population works for local businesses.
Kresanna said: “Awards recognise our work’s positive impact on our community. Whether it’s providing employment for artists or helping growers bring products to market, this award shows that by making creative things happen we have a real impact. Cancelling last year’s Findhorn Bay Festival was difficult. It’s important to continue to bring art and creativity to local communities - to make people smile and provide hope.”
FBA redesigned its programme of activities with financial support from Creative Scotland, Event Scotland and Berry Burn Community Fund.
From its headquarters on Forres High Street, FBA ran an artist-in-residency workshop from February to September 2020.
During lockdown, the office became a shop selling organic produce, handmade crafts and artisanal goods from local suppliers.
A FBA youth arts programme was redesigned to go online, supporting young people through REMIX, a digital music-making project. This helped emerging musicians form a bubble to produce a new album.
Finally, FBA secured youth arts grants to fund 10 projects across Moray.
Kresanna said: “While the past couple of years have been challenging, we have achieved much to be proud of. We have continued to work with local people, businesses, community groups and exceptional artists to deliver creative activities and events in a safe way.
“This summer’s ‘Source to Sea’ cultural programme brought together partners, funders, supporters, creative practitioners and community volunteers, particularly for events like STORM. Smaller projects like ‘Window Wanderland’ also brought people together. Over 100 windows were decorated by over 300 people.”
FBA is now: delivering a Youth Music Initiative-funded programme called ‘AMP: Music’; running a creative project for carers and individuals connected to Quarriers; and supporting the Dandelion ‘grow your own’ project.
FBA’s festive market shop is open Thursday to Saturday up to Christmas Eve and a new ‘Combine to Create Culture Collective’ programme will soon see FBA working with communities on collaborative projects.
“We will also have a big announcement to make about the next festival,” finished Kresanna.
“2022 looks to be another exciting year!”
