Luminate: Scotland’s creative ageing festival celebrating our creative lives as we age
A nationwide programme of over 200 arts events and activities
1st-31st October, 2012
Glasgow to host over 20 events
Dance, Music, Visual Art, Drama, Literature, Film
Sign up for updates and view full programme: www.luminatescotland.org
THROUGHOUT October, Glasgow will host twenty three arts events, many of them free, as part of a new nationwide festival celebrating our creative lives as we age.
Luminate: Scotland’s creative ageing Festival is set to throw a spotlight on over 200 inspirational arts activities – many of them free – with, and for older people, as well as events for audiences and participants across the generations.
With events such as the writer and artist, Alasdair Gray, reading his own short stories on ageing at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Scottish premiere of Colin Higgins’ stage play of the cult 1971 movie Harold and Maude, and performances by Belgian dance theatre company Kabinet K at Tramway, the festival promises to be as diverse as it is accessible.
Luminate director, Anne Gallacher, explains: “There is already a wide variety of creative work with and for older people taking place across Scotland, and Luminate looks to celebrate and build on this.
:The inaugural Luminate programme includes new collaborations, and international projects, and features a broad range of independently-run projects, including work led by arts, museum and heritage organisations, public libraries, residential care providers as well as community and neighbourhood groups.”
The cross arts festival includes dance, drama and music performances; film screenings, literary events and exhibitions.
Festival participants range from nine years old to 90, and feature professional and non-professional artists alike and opportunities are offered for people to become involved as participants as well as audience members.
A cross-section of Glasgow City events includes the following:
The National Theatre of Scotland is trying out a new idea expressly for older people interested in visiting the theatre more often and is hoping to form a group or groups that meet regularly to attend performances, events and trips to productions across Scotland.
Explains Simon Sharkey, associate director of New Learning, The National Theatre of Scotland: “As we get to know the communities we have been connecting with over the past six years, they’ve told us they would love to come and see more of our shows, but for some older people it’s not always easy, be that down to cost, travel or a change in circumstance.
“We’d like to create a way for people with a passion for theatre to meet – and for us to continue to understand our audience, making coming to the theatre as easy and enjoyable as we possibly can. We’re looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and lots of new ones.”
The first of these Theatre Company events take place on 13 October at The Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, and on 27 October, 2pm at The Kings Theatre, Glasgow. Both events include a reception to talk about plans, and garner ideas on how Theatre Company could work, followed by a 2.30pm performance of The Guid Sisters by Michel Tremblay.
During October, over 80 terns, made from Ardalanish wool from Mull, recycled plastic, will arrive at The Lighthouse seeking shelter. Bird Yarns is the result of a collaboration between artist Deirdre Nelson and an international community of knitters, celebrating the feats of the Arctic tern, while reflecting on the plight of migratory sea birds affected by environmental change.
On 27 October, the Intergenerational Jukebox project launches with a workshop in Govan’s Pearce Institute. The three-month project explores the music that intergenerational migrants brought with them to Glasgow, and the workshop is an invitation to join the project and tell stories about the role music has played in creating Diaspora.
Luminate is funded by Creative Scotland and the Baring Foundation in partnership with Age Scotland.
Iain Munro, director of Creative Development at Creative Scotland, said: “Luminate is the first festival of its kind in Scotland that celebrates creativity as we age and shares that passion across the generations.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with the Baring Foundation and Age Scotland to increase the numbers of older people enjoying high quality arts activities, whether as artists, performers, participants or consumers, and to enjoy a long and creative life.
“It’s an exciting new addition to the Year of Creative Scotland and further enhances Scotland’s international reputation as a festival nation.”
David Cutler, director, The Baring Foundation, commented: “What an inspiring programme for the first year of the Luminate Festival! The Baring Foundation is proud to support a new chapter in the arts in Scotland.”
Age Scotland director of Charity and Community Services, Kay Hutcheson, said:
“Age Scotland has a positive, forward looking vision for our ageing population and is working hard to empower older people to demonstrate to themselves and others the continued value of their contribution to society.
“We believe that this value also encompasses the creative arts and that we should be doing our utmost to increase the number of older people enjoying high-quality arts activities – whether as artists, performers, participants or consumers. Luminate fits the bill in this regard.”
To sign up for updates and view full Luminate programme listings visit: https://www.luminatescotland.org
And join in the conversation via twitter: https://twitter.com/LuminateScot and
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LuminateScotland
GLASGOW CITY LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Scottish Ballet Luminate Workshop
2 October / 2.30pm – 4pm
A dance workshop which offers a gentle introduction to ballet with live musical accompaniment, exploring elements of Scottish Ballet’s autumn season and suitable for those with no experience of ballet.
Tramway, Albert Drive, Glasgow, G41 2PE
Free but advance booking recommended
Booking & Info: 0141 331 6285 www.scottishballet.co.uk
Storytelling – Jamie Stuart
3 October / 7.30pm
Author Jamie Stuart, at 92 years, has been a wireless operator air gunner in WWII, Scottish champion athlete, professional actor, author, social worker and evangelist. He tells the story of his dramatic life with insight and humour.
St Enochs Hogganfield Church, 860 Cumbernauld Road, Glasgow, G33 2QW
Free
Info: 0141 770 569
Stitch-n-Time
2, 9, 23 and 30 October /10am – 3pm
A four-day exhibition following a four month needlecraft project with older Scottish and Asian women.
Nan McKay Community Hall, end of St Johns Road, Glasgow, G41 5SR
Free Info: 0141 429 5370
Supported by Age Scotland.
Silver Sambistas
4, 11, 18, 25 October / 7pm – 9pm
Learn funky Brazilian drumming in this four week course. No experience or past
participation is required.
Crypt Café, Wellington Church, Southpark Avenue, Glasgow G12 8LE
4 week course: £30
Info: 07817 419723 / 01360 771 879
Bird Yarns
5 to 28 October
Monday – Saturday: 10.30am – 5pm & Sunday: 12noon – 5pm
The Lighthouse, Scotland’s Centre for Design & Architecture,
11 Mitchell Lane, Glasgow G1 3NU
Info: 0141 276 5365 www.thelighthouse.co.uk
Lifeguard
5 to 27 October, 7.30pm
Matinees 20 & 27 October at 2.30pm
Adrian Howells creates an intimate, immersive theatrical experience at the Govanhill Baths. His performance will invite audiences to engage with their memories of swimming pools and their relationships with water.
Govanhill Baths, 99 Calder Street, Govanhill G42 7RA
Tickets: £12/£9
Box Office: 0141 565 1000
Artists Talks at Streetlevel Photoworks
9 October / 6pm
Super Vivere looks at the lives of the oldest old, and involved Susie Rea travelling to various locations in Europe and the UK to photograph brothers and sisters over the age of 90.
Trongate 103, Glasgow, G1 5HD
Free
Info: 0141 552 2151 info@streetlevelphotoworks.org
www.streetlevelphotoworks.org
9 October / 7pm
Colin Gray on ‘The Parents’ & ‘In Sickness and in Health’
Trongate 103, Glasgow, G1 5HD
Free
Info: 0141 552 2151 info@streetlevelphotoworks.org
www.streetlevelphotoworks.org
23 October / 6pm
Katherine Green on ‘1948 Olympians’
Trongate 103, Glasgow, G1 5HD
Free
Info: 0141 552 2151 info@streetlevelphotoworks.org
www.streetlevelphotoworks.org
23 October / 7pm
Alison Marchant on ‘Living Room’ and other projects Marchant will discuss a number of her research installations involving oral history and photography, including her Glasgow installation, which involved work with the Govan Reminiscence Group in an installation in a derelict tenement flat near the River Clyde.
Trongate 103, Glasgow, G1 5HD
Free
Info: 0141 552 2151 info@streetlevelphotoworks.org
www.streetlevelphotoworks.org
1 November / 6pm
Aidan Kelly on ‘INK’
Last year the Bealtaine Festival, Ireland’s nationwide celebration of creativity in older age, commissioned photographer Aidan Kelly to create an exhibition of original photographs of older people with tattoos.
Trongate 103, Glasgow, G1 5HD
Free
Info: 0141 552 2151 info@streetlevelphotoworks.org
www.streetlevelphotoworks.org
In the Spotlight: Celebrating Deaf Creativity
6 to 12 October / 10am – 4pm
As Deaf Connections celebrates its 190th birthday, join them in celebrating Deaf creativity. Deaf Connections provides activities for Deaf adults such as patchwork, decoupage and card making. These groups are not only a great way to socialise, but a chance to unleash some creative flair.
Deaf Connections, 100 Norfolk Street, Glasgow, G5 9EJ
Free
Donations to Deaf Connections welcomed
Info: 0141 420 2812 www.deafconnections.co.uk
Ceilidh Club
15 to 19 October / 10.30am
A series of four storytelling and singing workshops culminating in a traditional ceilidh on the morning of Friday 19 October at Platform, Easterhouse. Open to anyone of retirement age and older living in the East End of Glasgow and beyond.
Platform, The Bridge, 1000 Westerhouse Road, Glasgow G34 9JW
Free – advance booking recommended via Platform Box Office: 0141 276 9696, option 1
Getting Old – What’s aw that about?
15 October / 7.30pm
Short screenings exploring ageing followed by discussion.
Centre for Contemporary Arts
(CCA), 350 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JD
Tickets: £5/£3
Info: 07716 658 896 www.cca-glasgow.com
School Reunion at The Gatehouse
16 October / 2.30pm – 4pm
The Gatehouse writers and drama group present a comedy about a class reunion.
Glasgow City Halls, Candleriggs, Glasgow, G1 1NQ
Free – booking essential
Booking and info: Kirsty White, Glasgow Life, 0141 287 9845
Elderglee
18 October / 2pm – 5pm
Anyone aged 55 and over is invited to have a go at singing two songs from the hit TV show Glee at this afternoon singing workshop. No singing experience required.
Glasgow Music Studios, 709 Osborne Street, Glasgow, G3
£15 participants / £5 Observers 07792 64393
I See You
19 October / 7.30pm
20 October / 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Belgian dance theatre company Kabinet K presents a piece aimed at nine year-olds and upwards, which weaves a tender game between the generations. Each part is danced by a child, an older person and one of the choreographers.
Tramway, 25 Albert Drive, Glasgow, G41 2PE
Tickets: £10 / £7
Box Office: 0845 330 3501 info@tramway.org
Alasdair Gray: Short Stories
20 October / 2.00pm
Celebrated artist and writer Alasdair Gray reads a selection of his short stories, which look at
the subject of ageing.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum: Conference Room, Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8AG
Free – advance booking recommended
Info and booking: 0141 287 9845
Common Wheel’s Big Bang Bash
23 October / 2pm-3.30pm
A celebration of our music groups with older people in care. This event is also open to other groups and individuals who would like to try drumming and singing together.
Campbell House, Gartnavel Royal Hospital, 1055 Great Western Road, Glasgow, G12
Free
Info: 0141 211 0668 Katherine@commonwheel.org.uk
The Guid Sisters
23 to 27 October / 7.30pm
Matinees 24 & 27 October 2.30pm
A co-production between the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, and the National Theatre of Scotland.
The National Theatre of Scotland at The Kings Theatre, Glasgow
Tickets: £10 – £29.50
Box Office: 0870 060 6648 www.atgtickets.com/venues/kings-theatre
Launch of Theatre Club
27 October / 2pm
Come along to the first Theatre Club event being held in Glasgow.
Find out more about our plans at a reception at 2pm, followed by performance of The Guid Sisters at 2.30pm followed and informal post show talk.
Kings Theatre, Glasgow
Tickets: £10
Register your interest and find out more by contacting the National Theatre of Scotland by email info@nationaltheatrescotland.com or call 0141 221 0970
www.nationaltheatrescotland.com
50 and Counting
25 October / 2.45pm
The Portal Seniors’ Film Club presents a film highlighting the group’s own experience and explores the benefits of being creative in older age.
Glasgow Film Theatre, 12 Rose Street, Glasgow, G3 6RB
Free
Info: 0141 445 1666 www.theportalgovan.org
Intergenerational JukeBox – The Launch: Ankur Productions
27 October / 3pm
This event launches a three-month project exploring the music that intergenerational migrants brought with them to Glasgow.
Billiard Room at the Pearce Institute, 840-860 Govan Road, Govan, Glasgow, G51 3UU
Free
Info: 0141 559 4935 www.ankurproductions.org.uk
Harold and Maude
30 October to 3 November / 7.45pm, Saturday matinee 2.30pm
Theatre Jezebel and Glasgay! with the Scottish premiere of Colin Higgins’ stage play of the cult 1971 movie Harold and Maude.
An eccentric yet beautiful love story full of dark humour.
Tron Theatre, 63 Trongate, Glasgow, G1 5HB
Tickets: £7 – £15
Box Office: 0141 552 4267 www.glasgay.com www.tron.co.uk
FOR FURTHER PRESS INFO/IMAGES/INTERVIEWS/FOOTAGE, CONTACT:
Wendy Grannon T: +44 (0) 07916 137 632 E: wendy@wendygrannon.co.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. Luminate: Scotland’s creative ageing festival is an initiative by Creative Scotland and The Baring Foundation and is being developed and delivered in partnership with Age Scotland. For updates and further information: www.luminatescotland.org
2. Creative Scotland is the national development agency for the arts, screen and creative industries. Our vision is that Scotland will be recognised as one of the world’s most creative nations – one that attracts, develops and retains talent, where the arts and the creative industries are supported and celebrated and their economic contribution fully captured; a nation where the arts and creativity play a central part in the lives, education and well-being of our population
The Year of Creative Scotland began on January 1, 2012 and is a chance to showcase, celebrate and promote Scotland’s cultural and creative strengths. Through a dynamic and exciting year-long programme of activity celebrating our world-class events, festivals, culture and heritage, the year puts Scotland’s culture and creativity in the international spotlight with a focus on cultural tourism and developing the events industry and creative sector in Scotland. More information about the programme can be found at: www.visitscotland.com/creative The Year of Creative Scotland is a Scottish Government initiative led in partnership by EventScotland, VisitScotland, Creative Scotland and VOCAL.
3. The Baring Foundation is a London-based independent funder. Founded in 1969, it has given over £100 million since then to support the voluntary sector to tackle discrimination and disadvantage. In 2010, the Foundation launched a five-year, £3 million UK-wide fund for arts by older people, following on the publication of a survey of the field, Ageing Artfully. So far, 44 arts organisations have been funded from the Isle of Lewis to Cornwall, along with a series of strategic interventions of which, Luminate, is the most significant. http://www.baringfoundation.org.uk/
4. Age Scotland has a positive, forward looking vision for our ageing society. The Charity works for a better later life for all of us – today and tomorrow, listening to older people in order to understand what they need to transform their lives for the better, challenging disadvantage and unfairness. Age Scotland values older people and believes they have the power to change their lives for the better. Community by community, life by life, the Charity is working towards a Scotland where older people are valued and respected for who they are. http://www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland/
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Contact: Wendy Grannon
Phone: 07916137632
Email: wendy@wendygrannon.co.uk
Website: http://www.luminatescotland.org
