We discussed our hosts projects, exhibitions, practices, challenges and ways in which they collaborate with each other and with other artists, local and beyond, including the Even Here, Even Now project currently linking creative practitioners in the Outer and Northern Isles. We were able to reflect on our own aims and ethos as a group and think about ways in which we can grow our
creative community in a way that gives a voice to place-based art and practitioners, a Gaelic-focused approach to creating, and ways of mapping a path forward to future initiatives. The time we were able to dedicate to this was invaluable and in an environment that supports local creative practitioners in a very positive way.
In terms of peer-peer learning we discussed ways we could bring a joint exhibition/workshop event together and take it on the road around local village halls to engage different communities- we have started making a plan for a funding application to enable us to do so. We also identified details for a joint exhibition theme and highlighted threads to pick up for research and investigation, which we will take forward during monthly meet-ups.
Learning Outcomes
- As our primary interest is in Gaelic/island arts and culture it would be incredibly useful to see how this has been developed and is managed in Lewis. We wish to visit and learn from groups of similarly-engaged artists who live within a similar island community facing comparable geographical and cultural challenges.
- We have identified this visit as an opportunity to engage in peer-peer learning opportunities/skill-sharing. This will be a focused, informal environment and a supportive, effective way to encourage, strengthen and develop our creative practice.
- We endeavour that this visit would be the start of an island-island exchange of practice and place-based learning as well as an opportunity to connect with fellow island artists and art centres/organisations on the island.