Shetland Arts Development Agency was founded in 2006. It brought together the work of two organisations (Shetland Arts Trust and the Islesburgh Trust) whose collective histories provide Shetland Arts with a local, national and international reputation for arts development and delivery, built over 20 years of work and innovation.

Today, the purpose of SADA is to place the Arts at the heart of Shetland, to educate, promote, support and develop the practice and enjoyment of the Arts by all. We do this by:

  • Promoting and supporting the creation, practice, presentation and study of the Arts, at a personal and professional level
  • Improving access to the Arts for all
  • Supporting personal development and lifelong learning through the Arts
  • Promoting excellence in artistic quality and encouraging new work
  • Providing facilities to support artistic activities

Shetland Arts runs Mareel and the Garrison Theatre in Lerwick and Bonhoga Gallery in Weisdale, and promotes a year round programme of music, craft, theatre, literature, visual arts, dance and film events.