Upland, which has been championing the arts and artists in Dumfries and Galloway for the past Decade, is delighted to have been awarded multi-year funding by Creative Scotland.
The three-year award, totalling £293,000 (£97,950 per year), offers security and stability at a time when the arts have been facing tough times and declining investment.
Amy Marletta, Upland’s Creative Director, said: “This funding will make a significant difference to the organisation, putting it on a more secure footing and enabling us to continue to make a strong contribution to the creative sector in our rural region.
“Upland is currently celebrating its 10th anniversary year and reflecting on the organisation’s achievement for the arts and artists in Dumfries and Galloway.
“The funding will allow us to deliver on our new business plan and continue to develop and deliver ambitious projects that support and work with artists and makers, whilst providing high quality engagement opportunities that connect a wide range of people and places.”
Uplands Arts Development CIC is responsible for a year-round programme of events and activities, including the annual Spring Fling open studios weekend and the Upland made winter sale of locally made art and crafts.
It also provides mentorship and development support for emerging artists through its Emerge programme, delivers a growing youth programme and collaborates with other organisations locally, nationally and internationally to provide a showcase for the region’s creative community.
Upland was among 141 new organisations in Scotland, and a total of 251, to receive three-year funding.
However, it is mindful that there are others which have not been so fortunate and now face a very uncertain future.
Amy went on to thank Upland’s team, board, members, partners, colleagues, participants and funders who have supported and contributed to Upland’s work over the past 10 years.
Some Upland initiatives
Spring Fling – Run by Upland since 2015, Spring Fling is one of the UK’s most successful visual art and craft events. In its first 21 years, Spring Fling attracted over 174,000 visitors who made 546,000 studio visits. Over £10.2m of art and craft was bought and the event has brought over £17.5m to the local economy. This year it will feature more than 80 studios and takes place from 24-26 May.
Emerge – each year Upland provides bursaries and mentorship from established artists to two emerging artists and makers with strong connections to the region.
Rural Mural – A series of collaborations between Upland and Recoat involving locally-based artists and national and international street artists, creating bright and spectacular temporary murals on the walls of everything from barns to boat sheds.
Artful Migration – A series of artists’ residencies and commissions (delivered in partnership with Moving Souls Dance) exploring the threats facing birds that migrate from around the world to Dumfries and Galloway.
Upland made: A winter contemporary art and craft sale organised ahead of Christmas giving people the chance to buy unusual, hand-crafted gifts created by local artists and makers.
Exhibitions – Upland has taken work by the region’s artists to galleries across the UK. It has also organised exhibitions in more unusual settings, such as Kilsture Roaming, which took place in the middle of Kilsture Forest.
Modern Makers – From 2017 Upland brought together small groups of enthusiastic young people to learn craft skills. These included everything from woodwork and ecological building techniques to costume design, clog making, slipware pottery and glassmaking.
- See the Upland website at weareupland.com.
