MEP pursues Orkney creative funding

Alyn Smith MEP has thrown his support behind a major fundraising campaign to raise cash for a new art, design and crafts centre for the Orkney community.

Organisers behind the Orkney Creative Hub aim to raise £1 million to buy and adapt the former Ortak jewellery workshop and visitor centre in Kirkwall.

This new site will be a central base for education, development and enterprise opportunities for artists of all ages and abilities.

Mr Smith said: “This is a fantastic idea. Orkney has a long and proud history of inspiring beautiful art, music and jewellery, from Sheila Fleet to Maxwell Davies.

“I’ve written to the European Commission to enquire about avenues of funding for the project. In the meantime, I’ve been in touch with the Orkney hub’s project leader Jan Judge to discuss different grants and opportunities that are available through the EU.

“Jan told me that the hub will provide supported volunteering and employment opportunities for those less able to join the workplace, which is absolutely to be encouraged. The hub is a great opportunity for Orkney, and I’m very proud to assist in any way I can.”