Empowering Island Artists: Even Here Even Now

The #EvenHereEvenNow project celebrates and supports the creative voices of artists living and working in island communities. Through a series of events, workshops and discussions - #EvenHereEvenNow shines a spotlight on the challenges and opportunities faced by island-based practitioners. Written by artists from Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles, the manifesto calls for Policy Makers and Stakeholders to make change.

Visitors to Mareel are invited to engage with the project and join the wider conversation about arts and culture in The Isles.

A foyer installation will be displayed in Mareel until 26 January, showcasing the project’s manifesto and invites comment, feedback and ideas on the campaign that aims to empower and amplify the voices of island-based artists.

The campaign, led by Shetland Arts in partnership with @pierartscentre, @anlanntair and @taigh_chearsabhagh, advocates for creative practitioners in these remote areas, addressing how they can be better supported to thrive despite the unique challenges they face. The foyer installation is part of a series of #EvenHereEvenNow events to support artists and creative practitioners.

Upcoming Events

EVEN BETTER

A free, informal online information session and workshop delivered by Neuk Collective, a network that brings together, supports and advocates for neurodivergent artists in Scotland. It will focus on Access Riders - what they are and how to write one.

An access rider is a document that outlines any access needs you may have and/or how you can be supported to do your best work. They are becoming more widely used within the creative sector and can be a useful tool for practitioners and organisations alike.

17 Jan | 2pm – 4.15pm | Free | Online Register for EVEN BETTER

EVEN US: At the Table - A lunch invitation for creative practitioners in Shetland, across all disciplines

Creative practitioners of any discipline are invited to join a gathering to enjoy soup, bannocks and a friendly discussion about creativity in the Isles. Artist Helen Robertson will introduce the #EvenHereEvenNow project and how it hopes to advocate for artists and makers.

21 Jan | 12pm – 2.30pm | Free - 18 places available | Mareel | Register for EVEN US