Arran shortlisted for £100,000 prize

News came through yesterday that Arran is on the shortlist of competitors for the Creative Place Awards 2014. Earlier this year, the Theatre and Arts Trust was busy compiling evidence from all the people on Arran involved in some kind of creative activity, from weaving to jazz, theatre to constructive use of open spaces, and the total was astonishing. Will it be impressive enough to win the award of £100,000? That remains unknown until the final judgement, which will be announced at a ceremony at the Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock, on Wednesday, 29th January.

There are three entry categories in this ambitious competition, run by Creative Scotland. The largest, for communities of up to 100,000 residents, offers an award of £150,000, and the finalists are Falkirk, Dumfries and Orkney. The smallest is for groups of under 2,500 residents, and the three finalists in this division are Kingussie, Ullapool and Helmsdale, hoping to win £50,000. Arran comes into the central group comprising communities of up to 10,000 residents, and the two other finalists in this section are Peebles and the large area that includes Cove, Kilcreggan, Rosneath, Clynder and Garelochhead.

Twenty applications were received from a range of organisations across twelve local authority areas. Rhona Corscadden, Senior Events Manager, EventScotland, a panel member, said: “The calibre of the applications for this year’s awards is extremely high, and they highlight the strength of the creative industries across Scotland. These awards showcase the breadth of creative talent we have in our communities and each of the applicants should be congratulated for their achievements to date.”

Heather Gough, Chair of the Arran Theatre & Arts Trust, said: “We on Arran are thrilled and honoured to be considered for the shortlist. The application was very much a team effort and the result of a great deal of hard work. No matter what happens now, the result of arts groups on the island working together to submit the application has been an extremely positive experience.”

The Arran application states that the Award would be used to engage professional arts practitioners to work with individuals and groups on the island; provide wide access to the arts for all sectors of the community; improve marketing skills and provide support for those with exceptional talent.