A series of six two-hour social art sessions for grown-ups, run by friendly local tutors in six different communities around Arran during the Spring of 2026. Absolute beginners will be welcome - the key word of ‘Arran Art 4 Us’ will be ‘fun’!
Project Description
Meadowbank Studio CIC will develop and deliver a series of six informal social art sessions in six different communities around Arran in the Spring of 2026 - a pilot project, with a view to expanding it into a series of similar and regular events throughout the rest of the year if additional funding can be raised from other sources.
The sessions will be delivered by island-based tutors and will be designed for over-25s who are likely to come to the events with a wide range of artistic abilities. Absolute beginners will be welcome - the key word of Arran Art 4 Us will be FUN!
Participants might try out drawing portraits of each other, painting landscapes from their photos, or even weaving patterns and pictures with wool and fabric.
Our tutors have years of experience of delivering creative activities, including Arran's 'Art in Mind' and 'Paint & Pint' - both of which encourage people to just have a go, regardless of their ability and skill level. Arran Art 4 Us will do exactly the same - it will be art for everyone and with no experience necessary!
With much of Arran's existing artistic learning provision currently based in and around Brodick (e.g. Arran Visual Arts workshops, Paint & Pint, Art in Mind) this pilot project will deliberately target the less populated smaller communities around the island, to widen access to creative opportunities. Locations for Arran Art 4 Us sessions will be Whiting Bay, Kildonan, Shiskine, Pirnmill, Lochranza and Corrie.
Each 2 hour session will be delivered for a small charge of £2 to Arran residents, with capacity for up to 15 participants per event. All materials will be provided (as well as a plentiful supply of tea and biscuits!)
Public liability insurance will be provided by Meadowbank Studio CIC. The organisation will also carry out risk assessments for each site and event. Tutors will hold appropriate accreditation for working with adults.
Who will benefit
The project will offer opportunities for potentially 70-90 Arran residents to socialise and be creative in safe and relaxed local environments - where they can have fun without feeling intimidated by any lack of previous experience or ability. Anybody over 25 will be welcome to give it a try, even it it's mainly an excuse for a bit of socialising while they have a laugh creating something.
Arran Art 4 Us will help to make practical art more accessible to low income and isolated people who might find barriers in cost, transport or perception of 'not being an artist', and will complement the other artistic activities available on the island.
Being charged out at just £2 per person, sessions will be accessible to the majority of residents, regardless of their financial situation. We will hire local community venues which will encourage participants to walk to the sessions, and every attempt will also be made to time them to fit around bus schedules where possible.
We believe Arran Art 4 Us has the potential to develop into an all-year-round provision, and make a real lasting contribution to reduce social isolation, grow individuals' personal confidence and wellbeing, and foster greater community interaction on the island.
Costs we are applying for
We are applying for a £939 grant towards the overall cost of £1143 to deliver the project - the remaining income will be from the £2 contributions from participants. The Meadowbank Studio team will also contribute around 30 hours of volunteer time to help organise and run the six sessions.
The main costs for delivering six sessions will be venue hire, materials, tutors' time, promotion, travel, catering. A breakdown is included in one of the attached documents for reference.
Location: This pilot project is deliberately targeting the less populated smaller communities around the island to widen access to creative opportunities.
Proposed on behalf of: Meadowbank Studio Community Interest Company - established to contribute to the cultural richness, social cohesion, and overall well-being of Arran residents.
Fab idea