Caitlin McNeill, who lives and works in Colonsay, is CHARTS’ new Islands Culture Officer. She is now working with some of the organisation’s 100-plus members who live and work on islands in Argyll to help them with new projects, create meaningful links and show their work to a wider audience.
Caitlin is working with two colleagues on Ràmh - CHARTS’ 12-month Islands Development Project - which has been funded to support the delivery of the Scottish Government’s National Islands Plan and is backed by Argyll and Bute Council, the Scottish Government Islands Team and Bòrd na Gàidhlig.
Amy Dunnachie, an artist based in Jura, is the Islands Lead Artist for Ràmh’s arts-led consultation for the under 30 age group and the third member of the Islands Team, Mary Morrison, is an artist, originally from Harris, who has an extensive background in arts project management in rural areas. She will be providing consultation and strategic support.
The team is supported by Jen Skinner, of Screen Argyll, who is based in Tiree and a member of the CHARTS steering group.
Àdhamh Ó Broin is CHARTS’ Gaelic Culture Officer and CHARTS board member Rachel Kellow will also be giving support.
Caitlin and her colleagues have sent island residents a survey in English and Gaelic to consult them about what they need and want to achieve. They have also been working with CHARTS’ membership to connect islanders.
Caitlin added: “Ràmh is the Gaelic word for oar or paddle. The expression ‘air an aon ràmh’, meaning all working together, or from the same oar, sums up the spirit of this project.
“Argyll has had a huge cultural influence on the rest of Scotland and the artistic output of islanders has been enormous. My aim is to take some of what we are grateful for in the islands here and bring it to a wider audience, as well as ensuring islanders are getting the same fair opportunities as people on the mainland.
“We’re doing that by supporting island practitioners and organisations in new projects and highlighting their existing successes, as well as helping to protect the incredible heritage that underpins all of our members’ work.”
The team is undertaking a tour of islands and developing a series of online ‘Culture Cafes’ to connect islanders working in culture, arts and heritage.
CHARTS has more than 500 members Argyll-wide, including individual practitioners, artists and makers, as well as organisations, including public collections, archives, community projects, heritage groups and museums.
The organisation would like to hear from anyone, particularly island residents, interested in joining them or who would like to hear more about Ràmh, any upcoming events, or the organisation’s other projects. Visit the CHARTS website here www.chartsargyllandisles.org
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