Press Release – For Immediate Release CHARITABLE STATUS FOR AN EALDHAIN ARTS TRUST An Ealdhain Arts Trust to bring world class art to Fort William and west Highlands.
Trustee David Wilson with the Rt. Hon. Tricia Marwick MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, November 2014
Fort William, January 6, 2015: An Ealdhain Arts Trust has secured charitable status as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation and will launch this year with an Open Exhibition held at the Lime Tree Gallery. Pronounced 'An' - 'Alan', the Trust takes its name from the Gaelic meaning for 'a place of creativity'. The Trust aims to embody this sentiment in presenting an annual programme of high quality exhibitions for the area, and in doing so promote the creation of new work through its Open Exhibition and boast high quality contemporary and historical exhibitions. Governed by a committee of local and national Trustees, the Trust benefits from a wealth of experience and connections, with links to national collections and various philanthropic patrons. IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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CHARITABLE STATUS FOR AN EALDHAIN ARTS TRUST
A real driving force behind the Trust is the enthusiasm of visitors and the local community. The Matisse: Drawing with Scissors exhibition (from the Hayward Gallery Touring, Southbank Centre London) held by the Lime Tree in June 2014 was evidence of this, with school groups coming to workshops and talks, visitors travelling from all over the country and many surprised to find such world renowned art work in Fort William. One visitor’s book entry captured this enthusiasm perfectly stating; “I took my Mum and Dad because I went with school…It is excellent.” In a recent visit by Rt. Hon. Tricia Marwick MSP, Trustee David Wilson discussed with the Presiding Officer the opportunities the Trust would provide for the area. The Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, the Rt. Hon Tricia Marwick MSP said: “The Lime Tree is not only a fantastic platform for contemporary artists, it’s a cultural asset for the wider community to enjoy. I look forward to returning soon.” The Trust will also be starting a ‘Friends of An Ealdhain’ group to assist in the coordination of exhibitions and events held by the Trust. This voluntary group is open for membership and presents a great way for the community to become more involved in the arts programming. Furthermore, it is a great opportunity for young artists and students to gain work experience in the arts industry. The Open Exhibition will launch the Trust this year, for which a national ‘call for entries’ will invite artists of all ages and abilities to submit work for the exhibition. A panel of committee members and arts professionals will then select works to exhibit and award prizes for works of the highest calibre. The Opening Night will launch the Trust and the exhibition programme, announcing prize winners and present the opportunity for the community to gather in celebrating the arts in Fort William. This is just one of many exhibitions the Trust will hold at the Lime Tree Gallery over the year. The Trust also aims to hold exhibitions showcasing both national and Scottish contemporary and historical works held in partnership with national collections. More information on these exhibitions will follow. An Ealdhain Arts Trust welcomes volunteers, sponsors and patrons to help get this programme off the ground. If you would like to become a Friend of An Ealdhain or support the Trust please contact Joanna Macaulay at anealdhain@mail.com
Contact: Joanna Macaulay AN EALDHAIN ARTS TRUST Phone 01397 701806 anealdhain@mail.com
c/o Lime Tree An Ealdhain Achintore Road, Fort William, Inverness-shire, PH33 6RQ
AN EALDHAIN ARTS TRUST