Moray gets its first five 'Artists in Residence'
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The identities of Moray's first five 'Artists in Residence' have been revealed.
Several Moray-based arts organisations have come together to run a series of residencies which are being funded by Creative Scotland.
The aim is to put creativity firmly back on the local map after the difficulties of the past 18 months.
One of the five artists is Lynda Buchan, who's a recent graduate from Moray School of Art.
She said: "I’m absolutely thrilled to be working on this new project.
"This is a great opportunity for me to engage with local communities and build lasting creative relationships.
"It’s an exciting time to be an artist in residency when everything is re-connecting."
Mary Bourne has taught at several Scottish art schools and also exhibited her work widely across Britain and abroad.
She said: "I've lived in South Speyside for more than 20 years and raised my family here.
"I am very much looking forward to working in this area and with the people who live here too.
"I plan to work in the spaces between places – in the rural areas between towns."
Simone Kenyon is an artist and choreographer, whose recent Into the Mountain project culminated in an outdoors performance in the Cairngorms.
She said: "This residency will offer me the opportunity to expand my practices of working with people and focussing on how dance and movement can communicate relationships between people."
Mike Inglis has been involved in several projects in and around Moray over the past few years, including Street Scene Elgin, which saw films featuring local people projected onto buildings around the town.
He said: "I'm very pleased to be returning to Moray and especially pleased to be working on a project which engages directly with the people of Moray.
"Strengthening community bonds after the experience of Covid has never seemed more important and showing people how the arts can do this has never been more relevant."
Lise Olsen is a Scottish-based artist who's particularly interested in sounds and the atmospheres and emotions they can generate.
She said: "I am looking forward to starting my 12-month artist residency.
"The journey inspires me and is full of creative possibilities.
"I am excited to meet the people, curious to uncover the stories, and intrigued by what sounds I will hear in such a beautiful place."
Lise is working with the Moray Way Association, while Simone is working with Dance North Scotland, which is based in Findhorn.
Mike is involved with the filmmakers Wildbird.
Both Lynda and Mary are working with Moray Arts Development Engagement (M:ADE).
All the organisations will also be collaborating on various projects over the course of the next 12 months.
In addition to the five residencies, Creative Scotland is aiming to fund three more later this year.
Laura Johnston-Scott has been appointed as Arts in Moray Collective Lead.
Her role will be to support the overall running and coordination of the residencies.
She said: "I believe in this project’s vision of using the creative arts as an opportunity to share, communicate and nourish the community around us.
"I am excited to see how, by building on existing partnerships and creating new ones, this programme can offer opportunities for public engagement and social inclusion, as well as bridging gaps between different community groups."
