Lyth Arts Centre directors are optimistic despite end of funding
As its government funding draws to a close, the directors of a Caithness arts centre talked of their optimism for the future.
Lyth Art Centre's (Lac) Scottish Government Performing Arts Venues Relief Fund (PAVRF) ends soon and its co-directors, Charlotte Mountford and Tom Barnes, look ahead to spring with a programming update on artists, companies, producers and audiences.
The joint statement reads: "It’s almost a year since we were forced to postpone our schools performance of Space Ape, the first of many cancellations, postponements and rescheduled shows of 2020.
"Since then, Lac has been able to quickly adapt and begin to deliver a suite of participatory, collaborative projects led by incredible creatives in our community. We will be extending and developing many of these projects and hope to start new ones over the coming months.
"But we also know many of our visitors and audiences are missing live music, live theatre, live comedy and exhibitions. We’ve missed hosting artists from across the world, both at our base in Lyth and across the county in village halls and community spaces throughout Caithness and north Sutherland."
The co-directors are not setting any fixed dates for returning to live performances and are looking for a "suitable balance" between whatever restrictions are in place and their funding situation.
"We are looking at a series of outdoor and offsite gigs and events for 2021 that can hopefully start this summer. We imagine this will be an exciting and diverse programme showcasing local talent alongside some of Scotland’s best artists."
They went on to say that the residency programme for artists will follow all government guidelines when it restarts.
"We’re not sure when we might be able to start indoor programming in our theatre again. We will need to consider things like social distancing (we anticipate we’d only get about 10 – 12 audiences in our wee theatre with social distancing in place) and ventilation, making sure the safety of our audiences and artists is a top priority.
"As a project funded organisation, we also have no confirmed funding for a return to this programme yet but are hopeful we will get that support."
They also confirmed that a Caithness Artists in Residence programme is up and running with many projects looking for participants – read more about these here.
In May, an online performance called Distance Remaining will take place and a new collective of Lac Associate Artists will be supported with seed commissions and development time.
Artists, companies and producers, can contact Charlotte and Tom for more information and any updates. Any community groups, local charities or organisations in Caithness who want to get involved in Lac programmes or make suggestions are invited get in touch.
"With so much uncertainty for the future, one thing we do know for sure is that we are committed to remaining flexible and optimistic. Thank you to our small but mighty Lac team and all of our audiences, collaborators and participants for your support and inspiration over these last few months."
For more information visit lytharts.org.uk/
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