The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Bid to shine light on all Angus offers
Angus culture and heritage is set for a shot in the arm through a new drive to deliver a dedicated strategy for the district.
As Tay Cities neighbours revealed an innovative bid to become the first UK City of Culture collaborative, the specific Angus plan – led by a soon-to-be launched consortium – has been announced.
It aims to maximise the potential of the culture, heritage and natural assets in the area.
The strategy has been developed by independent consultancy Culture Radar.
It was commissioned by arm’s-length council leisure trust Angus Alive and the Angus Place Partnership at the outset of the pandemic.
The initiative has seen input from almost 200 professionals, freelancers and community groups across the area’s culture sector.
Angus Council, Creative Scotland and the Angus Community Planning Partnership supported the development of the strategy.
A snapshot of the Angus area’s cultural treasure trove reveals:
2,181sq km of scenic landscape and 109km of North Sea coastline.
Internationallyrenowned locations including Arbroath Abbey and Glamis Castle.
World-famous figures ranging from Peter Pan creator Sir JM Barrie, sculptor William Lamb and landscape artist James Morrison to AC/DC frontman Bon Scott.
25 museums and art galleries.
20 performance venues and spaces.
75+ community groups including crafts, heritage, fine arts, writing and photography.
22 festivals and public events such as the Angus Accordion and Fiddle Festival, Bonfest, Auchmithie HAAR and Kirrie Festival.
71 organisations offering creative skills across a range of art forms.
Jeannie Scott of Culture Radar said: “Angus is rich both in its cultural heritage, language, traditions and collections as well as its natural landscape – you’d be hard pressed to find an area its size with a comparable offer elsewhere in the UK.
“It is also home to a vibrant community of creative freelancers, culture and heritage professionals and volunteers who undertake incredible work, but not enough people know about what is on offer.
“This strategy aims to create more local opportunities for creative projects that will benefit them, and make Angus an even more stimulating place for people to live, work and visit.”
Angus Community Planning Partnership chairwoman Margo Williamson said: “The strategy gives us a focus to come together to build projects and draw investment into activities that will reach and benefit more people in Angus.”
The strategy aims to deliver opportunity for the area’s future generations.
Angus Alive chief executive Kirsty Hunter said: “The county’s cultural stakeholders can work together to ensure every young person has the opportunity to engage with culture and participate in a cultural life that is relevant and meaningful for them.”
Angus Culture and Heritage Consortium, led by Angus Alive, is being created to deliver the district-wide strategy over the next two years.
The project manager and consortium are due to be in place by the end of the year.
Karen Dick, head of Place, Partnerships and Communities at Creative Scotland, said: “It’s fantastic to witness such widespread support and enthusiasm for the area’s unique culture and heritage.”