Thousands of Highlanders to craft new live performance art under Eden Court project
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An ambitious plan to expand home-grown arts and culture in Highland communities has been launched by Eden Court – and it is hoped thousands of people will take part.
The project, entitled In on the Act, will see communities in four areas of the Highlands work to create original pieces of live performance that reflect local people’s experiences and hopes for the future.
In on the Act will explore people's stories and aspirations for their communities, with professional artists then commissioned to create four new shows in response to the themes that arise – with these then being performed in the community itself and also on Eden Court's stages in Inverness.
During the development of the works, local people will be invited to take part in work-in-progress sharings and, in some cases, as performers.
A filmmaker will also be commissioned to create a short documentary on the process and a screening of the film will take place at Eden Court Cinema. It is hoped that the project will directly engage an estimated 2500 people and contribute to a lasting impact in each location.
Rebecca Holt, Chief Executive, Eden Court, said: “This ambitious project will use the power of live performance to explore the issues that are most important to local people.
"Through In on the Act, we will collaborate with Highland communities and artists to create four new performances that celebrate our region. The aims of the project go to the heart of Eden Court’s vision for a thriving Highlands powered by creativity and culture.
"We are looking forward to getting started and the callout for partners is now live.”
In on the Act is supported by Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, one of the UK’s largest independent funders whose key aims include nurturing creative, confident communities.
Alison Holdom, funding manager lead for Creative, Confident Communities, at the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, said: “In on the Act sets out to strengthen rural Highland communities by fostering new connections and a collaborative approach to creativity and change.
"We’re particularly excited that the programme will put local people at the centre of decision-making at every stage. We share Eden Court’s belief in the power of culture and creativity to transform communities and bring people together, and we’re thrilled to be supporting them to lead this brilliant project.”
