A Lybster-based art studio has been devising "a host of imaginative ways" to help to reduce social isolation and improve the mental health and wellbeing of Caithness residents.

To support this, North Lands Creative (NLC) is excited to announce that building work has now commenced across its campus to create a new Creative Community Hub. The programme of works will lead to a "much improved modern facility for the benefit of the local community" with welcoming spaces to enjoy creative arts and includes a community café, dedicated disabled toilet with baby change facilities and a gallery and makerspace.

Karen Phillips, director of NLC, commented: "Even if we don’t consider ourselves to be particularly artistic, most of us like to create in one way or another – whether this means drawing, gardening, or cooking food that brings us comfort. Because using the arts for self-expression can be incredibly empowering and can promote healing, we are delighted to be working with so many partners and artists to improve our facilities.

"We look forward to sharing our ideas with the community over the next few months as part of celebrating 25 years in the village of Lybster."

The plan is to encourage people in Lybster and the surrounding area to use the buildings to meet socially, make friends and not feel isolated. The new developments will give the community access to more creative spaces and activities on their doorstep. The upgrading will take place at the Alastair Pilkington Studio and Quatre Bras sites.

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At a recent Welcome Day, NLC staff showed their appreciation to the many funders who have supported the local charity throughout the pandemic and enabled the adaptation and recovery plans. "So far we have raised over £300,000 which will be a welcomed significant boost to the local cultural economy," said Karen. "This funding will help to allow studio activities to restart; our organisation to plan for developing new community spaces; and help protect jobs and create opportunities for creative freelancers."

Karen said it was "such a relief" to receive significant funds for NLC and sincerely welcomed the support. "It was my pleasure to welcome the people behind the support and personally say thank you. We cannot overestimate the value of arts and culture in our lives, and its ability to build community, resilience and bring joy."

Guests were invited to take part in making a paperweight under the instruction of Erin Barr, NLC studio technician and newest staff member. Erin also gave a demonstration of the mobile mini melt furnace which was supported by a community grant from the Lybster and Tannach Fund.

Since opening in 1995, NLC has been a distinctive and special place, and an important resource as a Centre of Excellence for Glass, the arts and for audiences in the – as well as being a significant force in the national and international glass world.

"The support we have received from our funders demonstrates their commitment to North Lands Creative and our place in the cultural life of Caithness and nationally," said Karen. "I wish to thank them, and Creative Scotland, for all they have done to ensure we have so much to look forward to in the years ahead and I cannot wait to welcome back our artists, audiences and visitors to enjoy and experience all that we have to offer."

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The new community café and creative hub plans to open by the end of November this year and a range of events are planned including a festive family fun day.

"It’s really great to be able to have a local café and what I’m sure is going to be the new go-to place in Caithness," added the facility's director.

Related article:

New creative hub and café being built at arts studio in Lybster

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