ARRAN Theatre and Arts Trust has received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for a new, arts heritage trail. Thanks to National Lottery players, the project will celebrate Arran’s rich arts heritage, which deserves to be celebrated and documented.  

To celebrate this heritage, an island-wide arts heritage trail will be established in 2021.

The trail will be an interactive way for visitors to travel around the island and visit locations where artists have painted landscapes of Arran.

It will see the creation of an archive, and will consist of physical place markers, a dedicated website and accompanying leaflet. The trail will for the first time make it possible for locals and visitors to visit, learn about and appreciate the locations which have inspired so many prominent artists. It will be a tourism draw, an educational tool, and an opportunity for the community to come together and learn new skills.

A new arts archive will be added to the fantastic collection held with the Arran Heritage Museum.

Heritage research group

Core to the project, a local heritage research group will be recruited to comprise what will be the archive, and the detail for the physical trail.

Participants in the group will have the opportunity to learn and expand archiving and research skills, working with an experienced researcher and facilitator to undertake a portion of the vital research. The activities of the group will initially be coordinated digitally, with the aim of meeting in person later in the summer when the restrictions from COVID-19 are relaxed.

Those interested in getting involved with the group roup should contact Arran Arts Heritage Trail facilitator, Simon Ross-Gill, on arranartsheritagetrail@gmail.com.

The Arran Theatre and Arts Trust will also be looking for a fledgling filmmaker to document the research process, two young people to intern with the website development company to gain valuable skills in building a website. 

This project is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Arran Trust, and being overseen by the Arran Theatre and Arts Trust, a charity who exist to support the continual development of the arts on Arran.

For more information or to get in touch: www.arrantheatreandarts.co.uk.

Commenting on the award, Arran Theatre and Arts Trust Arts co-ordinator, Eileen Kerr, said: “We’re delighted that we’ve received this support thanks to National Lottery players and through the Arran Trust.

“This is an exciting and important project for Arran and I’m particularly looking forward to seeing the communities of Arran coming together as part of it.”

Caroline Clark, director, Scotland, of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “The National Lottery Heritage Fund wants to inspire as many people as possible to explore and enjoy the heritage that is around them. The Arran Arts Heritage Trail will do just that, encouraging visitors and locals alike to discover more of the island’s wonderful natural heritage while celebrating its rich contribution to the arts.”

Sheila Gilmour, on behalf of the Arran Trust, said: “The Arran Trust is pleased to have been able to offer support to this innovative project which will look at the heritage of arts on Arran. This will offer something unique for visitors and residents alike!”

Councillor Louise McPhater, Cabinet Member for Communities, North Ayrshire Council, said: “The launch of the arts heritage trail is fantastic news for the Isle of Arran. 

“Thanks to the recent funding boost, the creation of this exciting heritage trail will help to put the island on the radar of the wider arts community while boosting the economy and putting the talent of inspirational local artists on the map.

“This really is a rare opportunity to celebrate the cultural and artistic heritage of Arran while working together with the extended community to promote one of North Ayrshire’s most idyllic tourist spots.”

MEDIA RELEASE issued by Arran Theatre and Arts Trust. You too can share your stories (aka press or media releases), on this site. Email here for more information.

Contact: Eileen Kerr

Email: arrantheatreandarts@gmail.com
Website: https://www.arrantheatreandarts.co.uk/