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Lyth Arts Centre looks forward despite threat to its future


By David G Scott

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A Caithness arts venue has released a new family-friendly creative activity pack despite admitting to financial losses due to Covid-19.

The directors of Lyth Arts Centre (LAC), in conjunction with four local artists, have developed a project designed to support creative wellbeing for families and young people called Caithness, Through My Window – a booklet to be distributed across the county.

Work has been going on behind the currently closed doors of Lyth Arts Centre. Picture: SDM Photography
Work has been going on behind the currently closed doors of Lyth Arts Centre. Picture: SDM Photography

"We wanted to be able to reach out to our community by providing opportunities for creative learning and creative inspiration to help create wellbeing in the home," said Helen Moore, education and outreach co-ordinator at the art centre.

"We 're aware of the difficulties of home schooling and keeping the whole family entertained and under one roof at all times. Through creative play and creative learning, children and young adults can benefit intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally."

Artist Hannah Cambridge has contributed to the booklet.
Artist Hannah Cambridge has contributed to the booklet.

Helen added that at times of stress "creative learning can be a way for children to express emotions" which has been shown to have a positive impact on wellbeing and mental health.

The project has been supported by the Scottish Government Wellbeing Fund and Tesco Bags of Help Covid-19 Communities Fund.

Page five of the booklet is an illustration by Joanne Kaar.
Page five of the booklet is an illustration by Joanne Kaar.

The booklet features activities designed by illustrator Hannah Cambridge, artist and jewellery designer Lindsey Gallagher, author and poet George Gunn and artist Joanne B Kaar.

Described as a "creative scrapbook", it includes drawing, colouring, crafts, games and poetry written in Caithness dialect.

Artist Joanne B Kaar in the garden of Lyth Arts Centre last year. Picture: DGS
Artist Joanne B Kaar in the garden of Lyth Arts Centre last year. Picture: DGS

The arts centre is working with other local groups such as Thurso Community Development Trust, Pulteneytown People’s Project, Caithness Community Connections and Home-Start to get the booklet, along with art materials, out to families across the county.

The activity pack is available to order or download for free from the LAC website. More activities and a second edition will be announced later.

The project follows a recent update from LAC joint directors Charlotte Mountford and Tom Barnes in which they outlined their concerns and hopes for the future of the centre in the midst of the coronavirus crisis.

Joint directors of the art centre are Tom Barnes and Charlotte Mountford. Picture: DGS
Joint directors of the art centre are Tom Barnes and Charlotte Mountford. Picture: DGS

In an open blog post, they describe how the organisation – which is a charity – lost an estimated £30,000 of future earned income.

Tom said: "Whilst we face a significant threat to our own future, we fully support the view that the health of our staff, artists and the wider community is far more important right now.

"However, we wanted to take the opportunity to reassure our local community that we’ve been busy behind the scenes doing everything we can to ensure that we’re still here for you once this is over – whenever this may be."

The update emphasises the need for partnership and collaboration, inviting people to get in touch with ideas and new ways of working together.

More information is available at www.lytharts.org.uk


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