There’s a real sense of growth and change in the arts
in Annandale and Eskdale. New facilities, either recently completed or currently
under construction, have the potential to be transformational.
The Performing Arts Centre at Annan Academy is
becoming home to a number of significant projects led by local musicians thanks
to the support of Jamie Brand, principal teacher of art and music. Absolute Classics musician and promoter Alex McQuiston
will run his International Musicians Platform summer school there next month,
bringing in outstanding musicians and tutors from around the world. While
Andrew Turnbull of Bandskool continues to develop his big band venture at the
centre, attracting musicians from across the region and even from Cumbria, with
a view to launching a beginners scheme shortly.
The Buccleuch Centre will shortly reconfigure its
foyer area to provide an additional space, fully serviced with lights and sound
kit, for smaller scale performances which will offer more opportunities for
both performers and audiences. Additionally on another site they have opened the
Studio; two spaces, a dance/rehearsal studio and a sports hall, both available
at very modest rates to community groups and already home to a number of dance
classes.
The Devil’s Porridge has just unveiled its new build
museum and learning centre at Eastriggs and will be incorporating creative
participatory activities into its programmes led by community education specialist
Andrew Nelson, recruited from the National Gallery, London.
Also nearing completion is the Eskdalemuir Hub, where
lead artist Kal Malhi is ensuring that local artists and craftmakers are able
to leave their mark on the building and its setting. They are also developing
ambitious plans for residences, workshops and collaborations. The completion of
new studio/workshops at nearby Kagye Samye Ling has increased the number of
professional artists working within this small community of barely 200 souls,
there are now 17!
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