Attended by 120 MSPs, Stirling creatives, and other stakeholders and community groups, as well as First Minister Humza Yousaf, the event focused on the fantastic work of Creative Stirling who are a sustainable place-based arts organisation in Stirling supporting creative enterprise and culture-led opportunities for all. The social enterprise provides activities for children, workshops, spaces for artists, hosts exhibitions, and works collaboratively with other organisations. Their trading arm, Made In Stirling, is a shop selling cards, gifts, and art made locally, supporting local artists and using profits to support the endeavours of the social enterprise.
An opportunity to celebrate achievements and share future ambitions, the event also saw a performance from local band Constant Follower. They have recently released a second album to much critical acclaim, and have been touring a range of prestigious festivals and venues. Guests were able to sample a dram from Doune-based Deanston Distillery, sponsors of the event.
Commenting, Evelyn Tweed MSP said:
‘Though it’s been a tough few years for the creative community, faced with a pandemic among many other challenges, we’ve all been reminded once again how much art and creativity bring to all of our lives. It was great to have an opportunity to celebrate that, as well as to share with other MSPs, and the First Minister, how much Stirling has to offer. It was amazing to have so much talent from Stirling in one place. We also heard from Constant Follower, an excellent local band.
‘Creative Stirling has been doing excellent work, supporting local artists and helping the creative community to thrive. They have absolutely flourished over recent years are an important part of our high street and Stirling’s creative culture. They have such ambition for the future, and I look forward to continuing to support them in any way I can.
Commenting, Joe Hall, director of Creative Stirling, said:
‘It was wonderful to be given the opportunity to showcase what we do and the important work and new developments for Creative Stirling and Made in Stirling, in terms of supporting creativity to flourish, sustainably for our city and region. It was also an important opportunity to share learning and address important questions speaking directly with our MSPs and of course, our new First Minister.
‘Humza Yousaf attending the event was a very special honour and particularly made a huge positive impression on the young people within our network who attended. We are successful due to our collective approach which makes us resilient and gives us a unique depth and breadth of connectivity with our communities. We are growing, benefitting our artists and the local economy and we want to continue to evolve and grow with our communities. I was delighted to hear of the interest from MSPs from other areas in learning about what we have managed to get right, in Stirling.’
