Our impact

Our outcomes

We’re an impact organisation. This means we don’t just focus on putting on great events but on making a real, long-term difference, right across the isles. We measure the success of everything we do against six key outcomes for people and communities across Shetland, as outlined below.  We aim to improve:

1. Quality of life – through greater access to creative and social experiences

Taking part in creative and social activities is known to play a valuable role in a healthy, fulfilling life. It can reduce loneliness, anxiety and stress, create community connections, and offer a sense of purpose. With us, these experiences range from a simple cup of coffee with a friend in our cafe, to joining in a dance workshop to enjoying an exhibiting local artist.

2. Opportunities  – through the development of new skills

Greater skill levels can bring huge benefits – both to the Shetland economy and community, and to the individuals who gain them. We recognise their role in employability, civic engagement and attracting investment. And the prospects, direction and sense of accomplishment they can offer on a personal level. Our opportunities for skills development in the isles include our music, audio and film courses with UHI Shetland. We also run learning activities for everyone from school pupils to professional artists.

Two of our recent graduates have gone on to study at prestigious Conservatoires and Daisy commented:

3. Confidence – to contribute positively through greater opportunities for self-expression and community involvement

We’ve seen the meaningful change that can happen in Shetland when people build their self-confidence and actively become part of something bigger than themselves. It’s important to us, then, to create ways for people to try out and succeed in new things, growing their belief in themselves and their community.  Our Arts in Care programmes bring creative wellbeing activities into supported living and care homes across the isles. Our community group performances see local people express themselves on our stages. And our youth arts sessions help children and young people discover passions and uncover hidden potential.

Odin (7)  takes part in our Film Crew sessions for ages 7-11 and says: 

4. Inclusion and equality  – through an appreciation of a diversity of cultures and lifestyles

Together we can build stronger Shetland communities, where everyone is valued and respected. Open minds, compassion and curiosity can go a long way in breaking down barriers and making sure we all feel a sense of belonging. We aim to bring varied perspectives and rarely told stories to Shetland. From independent cinema to international musicians and cross-cultural creative collaborations – our programme is always shining a spotlight on something different. Below is the thoughts from a customer who attended an event about art in Gaza:

5. Mental and physical health  – through more active involvement in creative and social experiences

We believe in the transformative potential of creativity and culture on wellbeing. Coming together in these ways can create connection, reduce isolation and get people active. A community dance group. An inspiring conversation with an author. Contributing to the Islands Centre for Creative Ageing. In many different ways our work focuses on encouraging both mental wellbeing and physical benefits for Shetlanders.   In 2025, we ran various blocks of wellbeing writing, one of our participants shared their experience:

6. Community resilience – through a more diverse creative economy

Shetland’s always been a creative place. A strong, supported creative industry doesn’t only benefit professional artists and makers. It also has a knock-on effect on the wider infrastructure of the isles. As well as providing employment across our four venues, we create income streams for Shetland’s creative community through commissions, retail opportunities, funding and more. We support over 1,000 creative practitioners a year and one of them commented: