'Unrivalled' £1m plan for artists in residency

AN ARTISTS' residency programme "unrivalled in Europe" is to be developed by Creative Scotland, which is investing £1 million in the project.

The Creative Futures plan was announced yesterday at Sabhal Mr Ostaig, the Gaelic college in Skye, which is to host a Gaelic arts residency.

Andrew Dixon, chief executive of Creative Scotland, who was giving the annual Sabhal Mr Ostaig lecture, said it would lead to more than 200 residencies a year.

He said: "Sabhal Mr Ostaig is an inspirational place for artists to live and work and that's why we've chosen here to announce Creative Futures, our major artists' residency programme."

Mr Dixon added: "With almost 200 residencies each year, Creative Futures as a programme will be unrivalled in Europe.

"Sabhal Mr Ostaig is at the heart of promoting Gaelic culture and will be one of our primary residency hosts, strengthening its role as a key partner for Creative Scotland and reinforcing the role that places across the country contribute to a creative Scotland."

Creative Scotland will bring together existing and new residencies across all genres to establish the programme across Scotland.

Further details of the programme will be announced in February.

Sabhal Mr Ostaig principal Professor Boyd Robertson said: "We look forward to working with Creative Scotland to promote Gaelic Scotland's rich culture and artistic talents to a local, national and international audience."