Moray Art Centre to close for 3 months

IN a major blow for the arts in the area, a statement has been released by patrons of a popular venue in Findhorn, to confirm it is to close for the summer.

Since its opening in 2007 as a venue for arts education, Moray Art Centre has supported local artists with classes and exhibition space. A social media statement attributes the closure of the lottery-funded venue to the recession.

"The Moray Art Centre Board has concerns about the current financial position," he said. "These concerns have led to the appointment of consultants to explore options for the future of the Moray Art Centre. We have paused operations for a three-month period as from May 19 while these options can be explored. We are committed to finding a positive way forward in order that the Moray Art Centre can continue to strengthen and support the cultural economy of Moray."

The centre, built next to the Findhorn community, was brought to fruition largely through the inspiration and drive of artist Randy Klinger. After moving permanently to Findhorn from his native New York, Randy set himself the ambitious task of acquiring the necessary land and money to create a purpose built venue for art classes. Gradually, through generous individual donations as well as funds from public bodies, nearly £1million was raised to build the centre.

Moray Art Centre is a non-profit venue for the arts running an annual local and international programme of exhibitions, events, classes and art residencies. The attractive, ecologically sound structure full of light and open space has three teaching classrooms and high spec gallery space for exhibitions. It also has four individual artist studios on the first floor available for rent. At its peak, the centre had three full-time staff: Randy, a centre manager (who left shortly before Christmas 2012) and a young person’s programme coordinator, backed up by a team of volunteers. Classes have been running seven days a week on everything from sculpture to animation and attract people from all over Moray.

The first exhibition, of paintings by John Byrne, attracted more than 4,000 visitors. The centre has continued to showcase art and provide classes to finance itself over the last six years.

However, it appears that the income has dwindled somewhat recently and financial experts have been called in to come up with a plan for the centre’s future.

"We really appreciate the generosity and support of all the staff, volunteers and supporters of the Centre and look forward to sharing our future plans with you all at the end of this process," said the statement. "We would be grateful if all purchasers and participants in ‘Natural Selection’ (current exhibition) would collect their work on May 20 or as soon as possible after that."