The arts community in Aberdeenshire is served by three voluntary Arts Forums. Each has a unique identity, reflecting the development of the arts in the particular area. The Forums offer individuals interested in any aspects of the arts a chance to communicate with others who have similar interests. The Arts Development Officers work in close association with the Forums.
The Forums undertake a variety of projects such as commissions in various art forms and exhibitions. Examples of public art in the area are also published on the web.
The Forums also oversee the distribution of The Community Arts Grant Scheme on behalf of Aberdeenshire Council. Please see below for further information on the 'Arts in the Community' grant scheme.
Banff & Buchan Arts Forum
Banff and Buchan Arts Forum provides regular opportunities throughout the area for those interested in the arts - professionals, amateurs or consumers - to meet, exchange ideas and actively encourage the development of arts activities for all. One of its strengths lies in its membership which is open to all.
Forum Contact:
Chair - Helen Harrison
Tel: 01261 851186
Email: bbafinfo@googlemail.com
Web: www.bbaf-arts.org.uk
Alternatively please contact the Arts Development Officer for the North - Saskia Gibbon. tel: 01261 815989 email:
saskia.gibbon@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Gordon Forum for the Arts
With a membership of more than 43 organisations, 60 individuals, and 70 local businesses, Gordon Forum for the Arts reflects the enthusiasm for the arts in Central Aberdeenshire. The Forum organises an annual art exhibition, workshops and special projects. The executive Committee meets at approximately six-weekly intervals.
Forum Contact:
Chair - Charles Barron
Tel: 01224 315515
Vice Chair - Laurence Young
Secretaries - June Hidalgo
Tel: 01467 628283, Pat White
and Marion Reid
Email: info@gordonforum.org.uk
Web: www.gordonforum.org.uk
Alternatively please contact the either of the Arts Development Officers for Central -
Sheila Waterhouse or Sally Thomson.
tel:
01467 628379
(Sheila) tel:
01467 620981
(Sally)
email: sheila.waterhouse@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
email: sally.thomson@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Kincardine & Deeside Arts Forum
This organisation is open to everyone interested in the arts in this area. The Forum discusses and debates arts policy and programming and delivers a small grants scheme.
Forum Contact:
Convenor - Mike Reid
Tel: 01569 763877
Email: Reid60@tiscali.co.uk
Secretary - Cllr. Norma Makin
Tel: 01330 822827
Email: cllr.n.makin@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Web: www.kdaf.org
Alternatively please contact the Arts Development Officer for the South - Marie Shaw. tel: 01569 768353 email: marie.shaw@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
'Arts in the Community' Grant Scheme
Funded by Aberdeenshire Council and administered by the 3 Local Arts Forums, in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council's Arts Development Officers. Grant requested will not be considered from individuals who are under 12 years old.
Project Support Grants
This award helps groups to undertake challenging new work, especially that which encourages art made by and for the local community, involves multimedia collaborations, or forges new partnerships between local organisations and regional/national practitioners. Up to £1,000, to cover 50% of costs, in exceptional circumstances the award may cover 100% of costs.
Programme Support Grants
This grant aids the work of local arts promoters, particularly voluntary organisations. Support is offered for one-off and annual events, as well as for the promotion of a series of events. It is expected that these grants will support new and ambitious programming. This grant is given as a deficit guarantee. Up to £1,000, to cover 50% of costs; in exceptional circumstances awards may cover 100% of costs.
Foundation Grant
This support is offered to emerging arts organisations to assist with their formation and first activities. Maximum award £500.
Personal Development Grant
This stepping-stone grant enables recipients to expand their repertoire of skill and broaden their experience. Up to £500, to cover 50% of costs; in exceptional circumstances the award may cover 100% of costs.
- Banff & Buchan Arts Forum application form (pdf 50kb)
- Gordon Forum for the Arts application form (pdf 72kb)
- Kincardine & Deeside Arts Forum application form (pdf 55kb)
Aberdeenshire Arts Contacts
If you would like to contact of the Aberdeenshire Council Arts Development Team please go to our contacts section or visit the Aberdeenshire Arts website.
