ArtClub? (Speaker's Art Fund) - 25/4/24
/Local MP Alan Brown has lauded East Ayrshire's ArtClub? for its recent accolade of receiving £500 from the esteemed Speaker's Art Fund.
The representative for Kilmarnock and Loudoun played a pivotal role by nominating and providing a letter of support for the organisation. This support was crucial in securing the funding, underscoring a joint dedication to promoting artistic expression and community involvement.
ArtClub?, a vibrant community initiative based at the Dick Institute, is open to individuals from a care background in East Ayrshire spanning primary school age to early twenties. They offer a creative sanctuary where participants explore various forms of art, including drawing, painting, poetry, and filmmaking. The organisation's recent exhibition, Agora, at the Dick Institute showcased the transformative power of art and highlighted the talents of its members.
The £500 grant from the Speaker's Art Fund will enable ArtClub? to further expand its activities and provide valuable resources to its members. This achievement underscores the organisation's dedication to fostering creativity, resilience, and community spirit.
Commenting, the MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun said:
"I couldn't be happier for Eoghann and the entire team on securing this much-needed funding. Witnessing their outstanding work firsthand compelled me to support their nomination for the Speaker's Art Fund.
"Back in the summer, I had the pleasure of attending their exhibition, and I was truly blown away by the calibre of their artwork. Returning recently after learning of their £500 grant was fantastic.
“Witnessing the progress made by the participants was incredibly heartening, and spending time with them was a genuine honour. I had the opportunity to engage in conversations with them, and listening to their stories was truly humbling.
"I must commend Eoghann MacColl for his unwavering dedication and genuine commitment to empowering these young individuals. His remarkable rapport with them is truly inspiring, and it's evident that his passion for art is rubbing off on them. He's an exemplary role model.
"A huge congratulations to Eoghann, Haniah, and everyone involved with ArtClub?. I have every confidence that they will continue to flourish and make a positive impact. Keep an eye out for their upcoming exhibition later this year – if you have the chance, I highly encourage you to experience their artwork firsthand. You won't be disappointed."
Also commenting, Eoghann MacColl, Promise Participation Leader with East Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said:
“Within ArtClub? we support and nurture young people with care experience backgrounds through participation in creativity and activities. Our goal is to hear and share their narratives via the Care Experienced Cabinet as well as less formal pathways such as the ArtClub? where we can explore issues and topics through creativity and fun. Being consistent and present is important, and we have great partners in the East Ayrshire Leisure Trust who enable us to do this.
“The nomination by Alan, our MP, for the Speakers Art Fund was a real honour and to then go on and be selected by the Panel for an Award was even better. It’s always nice to be acknowledged for the good work you do, and we gladly accepted this as precisely that.
“Young care experienced people’s voices need to be heard, in line with the Promise and ArtClub? goes some way to providing that voice for young people in East Ayrshire and Alan’s Constituency of Kilmarnock & Loudoun.”
Additionally, James Whyte who attends ArtClub? and is an aspiring young poet added:
“ArtClub? feels incredibly honoured and grateful to be nominated and successful for the Speakers Art Fund. The nomination represents recognition and acknowledgment of our artistic talent and the impact of our work.”
