Interactive arts event to inspire creativity in Aberdeen
17 February 2017
An interactive arts event will be held in Aberdeen this weekend to inspire residents and highlight the range of artistic and creative opportunities available in the city.
The free ‘Get Inspired’ event, which is part of the Inspiration Point project, is open to the public and will be held at The Lemon Tree on Saturday, February 18 from 10am to 4pm. It will include a number of creative workshops and drop-in activities suitable for all ages.
Supported by Aberdeen City Council, the Aberdeen Place Partnership and Creative Scotland, Inspiration Point launched in December 2016 and has seen a number of pop-up arts, drama and creative writing events and artist residencies take place across the city.
Inspiration Point has given members of the public the opportunity to participate in creative activities and also capture on film what inspires and motivates them.
Workshops will run at The Lemon Tree for those who want try their hand at creating clay creatures, figure drawing, place making, Plasticine modelling, making textile pieces, creative writing, sketchbook making and drama.
Scotland’s popular Travelling Gallery will also be at the event as part of its Aberdeen tour with a free arts display housed in its converted double-decker bus which will be parked alongside The Lemon Tree. Travelling Gallery’s Spring 2017 exhibition EAT SLEEP WORK REPEAT, asks how we can abstract ourselves from the commonplace workplace and what humour, joy and subtleties can be found in our routine, commute, labour, administration and leisure.
On Saturday evening an informal “Literary Salon” will be held at The Lemon Tree from 7.30pm. Local playwright and Gavin Wallace Fellow, Morna Young will be joined by The Writer's Room Collective and Inspiration Point Writers in Residence for an evening of engaging performances.
Aberdeen City Council’s Convener of Education and Children’s Services Committee Councillor Angela Taylor said: “Inspiration Point celebrates the wealth of creative opportunity and talent in Aberdeen. The project aims to inspire people from all age groups and walks of life to have a go at something new or rekindle an old interest. We are supporting local established and emerging artists through hosting residencies, workshops and networking events. Inspiration Point contributes to an increasing confidence and buzz about creativity in the city.”
Prior to the public event on Saturday, an invited audience of young people from local secondary schools and NESCOL will get a chance to visit The Lemon Tree and take part creative activities with their classmates.
The ‘Careers in the Arts Day’ will give young people and their teachers an insight into the range of possible creative careers open to them. Representatives from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the STACK Collective, artist in residence Elaine Grant and writer Shane Strachan will deliver workshops in visual art, textiles, drama and creative writing.
The event will also play host to an informative twilight presentation and Q&A session for education professionals working with young people at secondary and FE level as they make subject and career choices. A new online resource ‘Youth Arts Advice for North East Scotland’ (www.inspiration-point.co.uk) will be launched at this event.
Inspiration Point is a celebration of the wealth of creative opportunities available to the people of Aberdeen who can keep up to date with the project on Instagram and Twitter by following @inspirationABDN or visit: www.facebook.com/creativelearningaberdeen
All of the Inspiration Point workshops on Saturday, February 18 are free and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Downloaded tickets are needed to guarantee a workshop place on a one ticket per person basis. These can be found by searching for 'Inspiration Point' on www.eventbrite.co.uk