On this page you can find out about some of our visual arts initiatives and activities.
The Visual Art team is involved in a rolling programme of projects and opportunities that aim to inspire, challenge and entertain as many sections of the community as possible.
Bonhoga Gallery Education Programme
Linked with the exhibitions at Bonhoga Gallery is the Bonhoga Gallery Education Programme, run as a partnership between Shetland Arts and Creative Links, part of SIC Schools Service. The Programme has four elements: The Bonhoga Gallery Education Resource Pack (for use by teachers visiting the gallery with their school groups), a workshop scheme whereby a professional artist can be booked to run a classrooom workshop, regular CPD sessions for artists and teachers and educational activities and information for children and adults visiting the gallery.
Bonhoga Gallery Education Resource Pack
This is collated to provide information, inspiration and guidance for teachers, children and young people across the spectrum of education and is updated every 3-4 months to relate to the exhibitions at Bonhoga. We hope that it will continue to develop the relationship between the gallery and schools across Shetland as well as provide stimulating and creative ways to encourage involvement and understanding of contemporary visual art and craft, including cross-curricular approaches to its interpretation. It is designed to be used as an educational tool for teachers visiting the gallery with school groups in order for them to lead their own workshops.
Please note that for this term Shetland Arts is able to fund all transport costs for schools visiting the gallery as part of the Bonhoga Gallery Education Programme. See the Resource Pack for more information.
Download the current EDUCATION RESOURCE PACK update – Jan-March 2011(pdf)
Download theRPS Education Resource Pack (pdf) relating to the 153rd International Print Exhibition at Bonhoga (written to link with the English National Curriculum)
Download the current Booking Form (Word document) for school visits and workshops
Artist-led Workshops
As a follow up to the gallery visit an artist can be booked to lead a free workshop (up to 2 hours) in school on a topic relating to the exhibition, or if it is more appropriate, the artist may be able to split his/her time between the gallery visit and the school workshop. This can be discussed at the time of booking.
CPD Sessions
We have also been running termly Continuous Professional Development events for teachers and artists/makers to develop skills and share ideas. However, this year provision for art-based CPD sessions will be made by SIC Creative Links due to relevant funding opportunities becoming available.
View images from the Bonhoga Education Programme
Created Space
A landscape design project with two artists working alongside adults with learning difficulties. This project is a collaboration between Shetland Arts, the Independent Living Project and Hjaltland Housing Association as part of sheltered housing accommodation in Lerwick. View more photos of Created Space at www.flickr.com. There is a ‘created space’ log site at www.createdspaceshetland.blogspot.com
Space to Face
A Restorative Justice and Arts project in partnership with the Community Mediation Team, Criminal Justice Social Work and the Children’s Reporter. 3 specially trained local artists working with young people at risk of or who have offended. This is a pilot project for a year.
Art in Care Homes
This project is in partnership with Literature Development. Chloe Garrick, visual artist and Genevieve White, writer, will be building on the success of the phase one pilot project in 2008 and continue to lead joint workshops with clients in Taing House Care Centre, Lerwick as phase two of the pilot project.
Visual Artist Awards
A bursary award scheme for local visual artists to enhance their creative and professional development. A partnership award scheme with Shetland Arts, Scottish Arts Counil and SIC Economic Development. Application forms and guidelines available at Opportunities or from the Shetland Arts office.
Advice and Support
The Visual Arts Development officer, Clair Aldington meets regularly with local artists, organisations and groups to offer support and advice.
Visit www.veernorth.org.uk to find out about a professional association and supportive network for artists in Shetland.
