A Highland Perthshire arts centre will be reopening its doors to the public again after it received vital funding.
Birnam Arts’ return comes after it was one of 53 projects in total sharing in over £1.2 million of National Lottery funding in the latest round of Creative Scotland’s Open Fund awards.
These funds aim to support creativity across Scotland for artists, organisations and creative groups as they seek to build sustainability while emerging from COVID-19 restrictions.
Birnam Arts will reopen later in 2021 with a streamlined arts programme.
All community classes and workshops will be phased back in when restrictions allow, with plans for several reduced-capacity shows to be performed indoors in line with COVID safety guidance.
The reopening of Birnam Arts ties in with major improvements to the venue’s lighting system, as well as a rebrand and complete website rebuild.
In addition, there will be an enhancement of the venue’s community programme with the hope of inspiring confidence to engage with cultural activities in rural Perthshire, offering benefits to mental health via reducing isolation and loneliness within the local community.
General manager James Irvine said: “In the current uncertain climate, as we gradually restore our arts programme, ongoing support has never been more crucial - not just for Birnam Arts but for the community we serve.
“Access to culture is key for any community’s collective wellbeing.
“Birnam Arts has always aimed to be very much at the heart of our community and ongoing support from the Open Fund is key to safeguarding this valuable community asset.”
Creative Scotland’s interim director of arts and engagement Joan Parr said: “Thanks to the generosity of National Lottery players, who raise £30 million for good causes across the UK every week, these vital funds are helping artists to continue to develop and present their work and to bring extraordinary creative experiences to life within our communities.”
The local community had previously joined together to show their support for Birnam Arts.
