WITH social distancing and the coronavirus ‘cordon’ now a fact of life, thousands of Scots have taken to social media and the web to find interesting activities to keep themselves and their families usefully occupied and entertained during the lockdown.
Several leading cultural institutions have taken to sharing content online, including Rothesay Pavilion.
The Pavilion on Bute has always served as an unique focal point in the lives of islanders and visitors, as a much-loved gathering space and entertainment venue.
Behind the hoardings of the extensive renovation that’s currently underway, the Pavilion Charity team has been working with colleagues, friends and supporters to bring the amazing Bauhaus-inspired building back to life. In keeping with those friends, patrons and neighbours, the team wants to help during the rapidly-evolving pandemic.
Channelling the Island of Bute’s enterprising community spirit, the team has curated a compendium of free ‘Stuck-At-Home Activities’.
These fun challenges also act as signposts, directing web visitors to discover some of the hidden treasures to be found in the world of the arts. Featured activities include works by musicians, writers, designers and artists normally accessible only through a visit to one of Scotland’s museums, theatres, concert halls, libraries or visitor attractions – all of which have had to close, temporarily.
Everyone is invited to take up one of the first ten ‘PAV-i challenges’.
Current choices range from poetry, synthpop and percussion to short film, pen portraits and design ideas. The musically-minded can join a host of famous musicians live-streaming from the comfort of their own homes, or perhaps take advantage of some of the brilliant, free initiatives aimed at inspiring us to develop our own musical prowess. There are even a few nostalgic family ‘parlour’ games that have been given a Pavilion twist.
Jackie Shearer, artistic director, Rothesay Pavilion, added: “Already, the impact on businesses, employers, our local communities, and colleagues in the culture and tourism industry is heart-breaking. Amid the uncertainty however, comfort lies in the knowledge that Bute remains the same close-knit community.
“A welcoming place that inspires artists and makers, technicians and producers, as well as an appealing destination for visitors and new audiences, and home to a loyal community of people who have always looked after one another. We’d love everyone to make a visit to the website and be inspired by what’s on offer.”
Julie Tait, the Pavilion’s executive director, said: “Being stuck at home with nothing to do is never much fun. Who’d have thought that Italians, cooped up at home, would take to singing from their balconies and practicing rooftop yoga solo. So, why not download a few of these fun freebies and take up a PAV-i challenge?
“You can join in by sharing what you’ve been up to via the Pavilion’s website and social channels, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
“New activities will be added each week as well as suggestions for things to do and places to ‘visit’. There’s a wealth of choice on our website including ‘The Kitchen Sink’ section to keep you busy.
“Share your achievements with us or, better still, tell us about the creative activities you’ve designed and let everyone have a go. If you’ve discovered something that’s inspired you and your family, show us!
“We can’t wait to see what you get up to and, when we emerge from this together and the Pavilion has re-opened, who knows? You might find yourself centre stage for real …”
Visit https://rothesaypavilion.co.uk/stuck-at-home-creative-activities/ and start creating now.
Notes for editors:
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Rothesay Pavilion was scheduled to re-open in late autumn 2020, following a £14-million refurbishment of this internationally-acknowledged modernist architectural masterpiece.
The building’s renaissance followed a successful fundraising effort in partnership with Rothesay Pavilion Charity (estabished in 2014), Argyll and Bute Council, the National Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, The Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, Coastal Communities Fund, Scottish Communities Landfill Fund, European Regional Development Fund, the Robertson Trust, Barcapel Foundation, Foyle Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, and Wolfson Foundation.
The redevelopment involves restoration of the existing main dance hall, capable of hosting up to 1,000 people, together with the creation of several new flexible event spaces. These include a self-contained studio theatre/events area for 100, a large gallery and exhibition area, and an unique glazed top floor with spectacular views for weddings and other bespoke events and celebrations. There will also be a café, outside eating space, retail marketplace and four flexible offices for rental.
A new multimedia studio called 45RPM (Rothesay Pavilion Multimedia) has been created, providing a much-needed resource and versatile, dedicated space for young people to conduct band practices and take part in skills workshops covering topics such as digital media, photography and filmmaking. All activities aim to help increase confidence, develop skills and support new pathways into work.
The charity appointed joint executive/artistic directors, Jackie Shearer and Julie Tait, in late 2019.
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Contact: Julie Tait, Rothesay Pavilion
Phone: 07747770018
Email: julie@rothesaypavilion.co.uk
Website: http://www.rothesaypavilion.co.uk/
