We are delighted to announce our WHALEs Without a Cause drama group has been shortlisted for the 2017 Epic Awards. Well done to all involved!

The Epic Awards are an initiative of Voluntary Arts, and since 2010 have been shining a light on the diversity of voluntary-led creative cultural activity across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Voluntary Arts Scotland Director Jemma Neville commented:

It is fantastic to have such a diversity of entries from across Scotland this year. From Ballet Hebrides in Lewis to WHALE Arts in Wester Hailes and from community-led festivals to crafting stringed instruments, and everything in between, Scotland’s voluntary arts sector is thriving and worthy of recognition.

The Epic Award judges will pick a Scotland winner and runner-up at the beginning of March, but there is also an opportunity for the group to win the People’s Choice Award.

Please vote for the group here under ‘WHALE Arts’: http://www.voluntaryarts.org/epic-awards-shortlist

Voting will close at midnight on Sunday 5 March 2017.

#EpicAwards2017

At the WHALE Arts AGM & Christmas Showcase on 15 December 2016 we introduced ‘The Spirit of WHALE Award’ in memory of the contribution WHALE Arts Board Member Doris Brown made to WHALE Arts and the community over many years. We want to ensure that her energy, creativity and community spirit continue to be recognized.

The Spirit of WHALE Award was presented by WHALE Arts Director Allan Farmer to Jan Davies and Julia Davies for their significant contribution across a range of WHALE projects, creativity, enterprising approach and voluntary contributions.

Congratulations to Jan and Julia!

 

Photo credit: StudioRoRo

The achievements of Edinburgh’s creative sector are recognized and celebrated at the annual Creative Edinburgh Awards. Highlighting innovative thinking, great ideas and work to be proud of, no matter how big or small, the award categories include; City, Collaboration, Commercial, Creativity, Independent, Leadership, Social, Startup, Student.

Our Street Arts project won The Social Award – for an outstanding creative contribution or activity that benefits or contributes to a group or interest.

Clive Gillman, Director of Creative Industries, Creative Scotland, commented:

The Creative Edinburgh Awards are a fantastic way of supporting and raising the profile of talented projects and people across the city. From internationally acclaimed work by Janis Claxton and Pippa Murphy, the outstanding efforts of Morvern Cunningham, to WHALE Arts, the creative heart of Wester Hailes, it’s terrific to see such a diverse array of creative talent celebrated. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees.

These awards are important as they recognize and celebrate the impact that arts and creativity have on communities. Arts and culture make a real difference to the places we live and contribute to improving our lives and wellbeing.

Congratulations to our hardworking Street Arts team! We’re privileged to work with so many amazing artists and we’re grateful for the support we receive.

Street Arts takes art out onto the streets of Wester Hailes with fun, free, creative sessions for young people. Artists collaborate with young people through street-based arts activities including photography, model making, multimedia, printing, dance, parkour, film-making, music, drama, storytelling, beat boxing, poetry, sculpture, drawing and more. We are out on Thursday nights making art with young people aged 5-16 all year round… from warm summer evenings to dark rainy winter!

We are thrilled to announce WHALE Arts has been shortlisted for the 5th Annual Creative Edinburgh Awards in the Social Award category for our Street Arts project!

Street Arts takes art out onto the streets of Wester Hailes with fun, free, creative sessions for young people. Artists collaborate with young people through street-based arts activities including photography, model making, multimedia, printing, dance, parkour, film-making, music, drama, storytelling, beat boxing, poetry, sculpture, drawing and more. We are out on Thursday nights making art with young people aged 5-16 all year round… from warm summer evenings to dark  rainy winter!

Street Arts aims to raise aspirations, widen horizons and teach new skills, as well as showing young people that they can create art in their own environment. The Street Arts team supports young people to make a safe and inspiring space to create and play together.

Winners will be announced 10 November 2016 at the Creative Edinburgh Awards & 5th Birthday Bash.

Join the WHALE Arts Board!

Are you:
Interested in what happens in Wester Hailes?

Do you:
Enjoy meeting and working with people with the same values?
Have 2 hours of your time to spare every 6 weeks?
Enjoy a cup of tea and even a biscuit?

Then we would like you to apply to be a local member of the WHALE Arts Board!

The Board is a diverse group of people who care passionately about what WHALE Arts does and how it can best support the community in Wester Hailes. In order to ensure WHALE Arts is doing a good job we need your views and input.

Call into WHALE Arts for a chat and a copy of our annual report and a copy of the one-page application form or phone 0131 458 3267 or e-mail info@whalearts.co.uk for more information

Deadline: 31st August 2016

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