New Cairngorms Creatives group holding its first exhibition in Grantown
A new Cairngorms ‘creative collective’ in the strath is currently hosting its first exhibition in Grantown.
‘Pledge | Process | Planet’ is running at the town’s OPENSPACE Gallery for parts of this month.
It is the first event organised by the Cairngorms Creative Cooperative formed to promote co-design and collaboration with those working in the creatives sector in the national park.
Made up of more than 90 members, the group aims to promote work opportunities, connect with others in the industry, hold showcases and engage with communities.
The exhibition is part of the Cairngorms 2030 programme and intends to spark conversation and connect landscape and community, and to inspire collective action on climate change.
It will accompany internal workshops for group members aimed at building skills, sharing knowledge and expertise.
These will also involve creating climate pledges along the Cairngorms 2030 programme themes.
The project is being led by Clare Waddle, local designer, maker and freelance creative project manager, and Tania Alloid, Learning Officer at the Cairngorms National Park Authority.
They said the event will feature artwork that pushes boundaries and evokes thoughts and discussion on creative processes in the context of climate change, biodiversity loss, health and well-being.
Ms Waddle said: “As a designer living and working within the national park I was delighted to be selected as freelance lead on this exhibition.
“It is fantastic that the Cairngorms National Park Authority is working with the creative community.
“This is a unique opportunity to strengthen and develop networks and a chance for creatives to articulate their vision and response to the climate emergency.
“I am deeply passionate that arts and culture has the ability to act as a powerful conduit to encourage transformational environmental change.”
The Cairngorms 2030 programme spans across 20 long-term projects aimed at bringing about transformational change in the Cairngorms, benefitting people’s health and wellbeing, delivering on climate change and enhancing nature in the national park.
David Clyne, Head of Cairngorms 2030 at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, said: “It is fantastic to see the Cairngorms Creative Cooperative running their first event, providing opportunities for local creatives to share their work and engage with the community.
“Through art, we can connect with our culture and the world around us, celebrating dùthchas, the deep-rooted connection between people and nature.”
The next public opening of ‘Pledge | Process | Planet’ is from May 26 to May 31 from 10am till 5pm.
The exhibition can be viewed at other times until 31st May but by appointment only.