A celebration of African and Caribbean dance, a nationwide digital youth theatre initiative, and a programme to commemorate the work of Alasdair Gray are among the Glasgow-based projects and research and development initiatives sharing in over £1.6million of National Lottery funding through Creative Scotland in the latest round of Open Fund awards.
These funds are supporting creative individuals, projects and organisations across the country to adapt and respond to the current changing circumstances brought about by COVID-19, and helping to sustain people’s creative development at this challenging time.
Project X are a Glasgow-based organisation that give a platform to the dance of the African and Caribbean diaspora in Scotland and work to address racial inequality within the dance and performing arts sector.
This funding will support a period of research and development for a Covid-19 response tailored to the recovery needs of Scotland’s African and Caribbean diasporic community, as well improving company sustainability and securing future programmes.
Ashanti Harris, Mele Broomes and Rhea Lewis, Co-directors, Project X said: “After a long pause to our outward facing activity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are thrilled to begin sharing dance again. We have already released our Black History Month programme, and now we are focusing on the development of our Artists Voice strand and our professional production for young audiences Carnival Odyssey which we will continue to develop with Imaginate in 2021.”
Scottish Youth Theatre have received funds for a newly devised digital artistic programme will bring together 14-25-year olds across the country for free to access skills development workshops, professional mentorship, bespoke mental health support, resources for access and digital participation and creation of work towards an online festival.
A major project which will see the work of Alasdair Gray celebrated through new commissions, digital content and educational opportunities has received development funding. Led by curator Sorcha Dallas Gray, this project aims to widen access to Gray’s work and his influence as a significant cultural figure in Scottish literature and art.
A full list of recipients of Open Fund awards is available on the Creative Scotland website.
Iain Munro, Chief Executive, Creative Scotland said: “The Open Fund is supporting the creative sector to explore new, safe ways of working, developing practices and reaching wide audiences. From poetry festivals to theatre programmes, these projects reflect the resilience, innovation and determination of Scotland’s creative community in the face of COVID-19.”
“Through these challenging and unpredictable times, creativity, art and culture are bringing us together and supporting our emotional wellbeing. Made possible by the generosity of National Lottery players, who raise £30 million for good causes across the UK every week, these awards are helping to sustain the value that creativity adds to our lives.”
Image: Scottish Youth Theatre. Credit: Tommy Ga Ken Wan
