Inverness Creative Academy launches Openarts programme to encourage more Highlanders to explore their creative side

Highlanders are being urged to get creative with the launch of a new community arts project from Wasps, the organisation which manages the recently completed Inverness Creative Academy.

The initiative, Inverness Openarts, is designed to provide opportunities for people aged 16 and over to engage in creative activities of their choice in a friendly, non-judgmental environment and aims to bring the benefits of creativity to people of all backgrounds.

Drop-in sessions will be led by four local artists and will take place on a weekly basis during term time from late April.

The monthly programme will rotate between four community venues, including the new workshop space at Inverness Creative Academy in Crown.

As Inverness Openarts develops, members of the public are invited to attend a number of free taster sessions across the city.

The Bike Shed in Merkinch will host the first session on Tuesday March 15 between 10am and noon, with a second session at Hilton Community Centre from 2pm-4pm.

Two further sessions take place on Thursday at The Bught Stop, in Torvean Avenue, between 10am and noon, and at Inverness Creative Academy’s workshop space between 2pm and 4pm.

Co-ordinator Bonnie Forrest said: “Artmaking is a pursuit that so many abandon after their experiences at school. Inverness Openarts invites everybody to rediscover their own creativity.

“Having worked in social care across the region, I am delighted to launch this initiative, which has the potential to make such a positive impact.”

To register or for more information, email invernessopenarts@waspsstudios.org.uk or call 07539 020698.

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