We Are Here Scotland in the spotlight
Back in late 2020, we interviewed Aberdeen creative and podcaster Ica Headlam. He had just established We Are Here Scotland, a creative fund designed to practically support creative people of colour (POC) throughout Scotland.
Nearly a year later, having achieved funding through a successful GoFundMe campaign, We Are Here Scotland are just about to close applications for their first round of funding of creatives. We wanted to chat to Ica further about We Are Here Scotland. We wanted to know the background behind the fund, some of the challenges he has faced, and what he can offer creative people of colour. As always, Ica was keen to share his experience.
What is We Are Here Scotland?
Tell us a little about We Are Here Scotland. How did the idea came about and develop into a real life fund?
The idea for We Are Here Scotland came from my experiences of presenting Creative Me Podcast. And also, of course, being a person of colour here in the north east of Scotland.
Being born in the early 1980's I've always recognised the importance of representation. However I didn't see much of that in Scotland across the artistic and creative industries. I wanted to create something that not only allowed for there to be recognition of black and POC artists and creatives, but also as a means of supporting the community in practical ways too. This is where the Creator's Fund comes into play.
I had numerous private conversations and a number of Instagram Live events. After that it became very clear to me that many people in the community needed help. Both in terms of funding and practical support. However, getting this from larger organisations always seemed like such a daunting and monumental task.
Bearing that in mind, I felt that there should be a fund that not only made it easier for people to apply for, but also provided some follow through in terms of practical support via mentoring and guidance from industry professionals to help those who are awarded funding.
What are some of the challenges you've faced in launching the fund?
Well we launched the fund in mid-November last year whilst still in the pandemic. Given the climate it was a slow burn, however we eventually reached our target of £6000 in June this year. Recently that amount has grown to £7,490. This has allowed us to support more black and POC artists and creatives across Scotland.
What advice would you give to creatives of colour starting out just now? In particular, advice about raising funding and dealing with the challenges that their industry may throw their way?
With regards to funding, I think it's important to explore all the viable options available to you as a creative. It's about finding out what opportunities are happening in your local community as well. For example, does your local authority have funding opportunities for creatives? Is your local art space/gallery looking to commission artists etc?
In terms of the challenges you may encounter? For me I always find that it's important to have a good support network around you. This industry isn't easy to navigate. Over the past year I've heard from people in my community who have had horrible experiences within Scotland. So, I would say it's also important to hold people accountable. We can't minimise problematic attitudes and behaviours in the hope that it'll all be forgotten about. Especially in the current climate.
Systemic misrepresentation in the arts
Do you think there's a genuine willingness within Scotland's creative industries to actually stamp out their systemic representation problems once and for all?
Well I'd like to think so. But the past year has shown me that within Scotland's creative industries the conversation of representation and systematic change can easily turn into a tick box exercise. It's becoming on trend now for some predominantly white led businesses and organisations to be seen to be amplifying black and POC voices. The thinking is in doing this, organisations show evidence to potential funders that they are actively engaged with supporting the community.
In all honesty I do think that some people prefer the status quo of things. Some people don't want to be challenged. They don't want to reflect on certain issues that requires them to actively engage in meaningful conversations or progressive thought.
Is there anything people working in creative industries can do to pressure their organisation to be better?
I think people need to be more vocal about the systemic issues within the creative industries. However, it shouldn't just be black and POC doing this all the time.
I think we have gotten into this mindset in society that if it doesn't personally impact on you or your mental health then do you really need to say anything. Yes ,you absolutely do need to challenge and hold people accountable especially in this industry. People need to ask important questions within their organisations. Ask about meaningful representation and what that can look like for marginalised groups.
Who in benefiting?
Who are some of the creatives that you have helped? Tell us a little about them and the work they do.
When I first started We Are Here Scotland. I used to do a lot of Instagram story shout outs. We've given this a little more structure with a spotlight feature on our website. This feature will introduce people to a number of talented artists and creatives across Scotland. The first artist in our spotlight is the acclaimed Scottish-Caribbean poet and performer Courtney Stoddart. You can check out her interview here.
What are your future plans for WAHS?
We have a number of projects that I'm really excited about beyond the Creator's Fund. Hopefully we'll be in a position to secure funding to develop these projects. We ant to provide more opportunities for black and POC artists and creatives in Scotland.
The Creator's Fund is still live until Sunday 31st October at 11:59pm you can apply for the fund here: https://www.weareherescotland.com/creators-fund
Thank you so much to Ica for again taking time to talk to us. He has a special ability to focus on his project and achieve his lofty goals. That has always been an inspiration to us here at POST, so it's great to catch up with him again.
We Are Here Scotland | Find Out More
You can fine We Are Here Scotland at a number of places around the web. Please go follow them to stay up-to-date on their progress.
We Are Here Scotland | website | Twitter | Instagram
We also very much enjoyed this episode of Just a Chat With...Ica Headlam
Clan announce Light the North farewell weekend
Organisers of the Light the North Lighthouse Trail have put tickets on sale for their Farewell Weekend. Gordon Barracks in Bridge of Don will play host to the event on 29-31 October. Trail adventurers will then get one last chance to see all 50 of the lighthouses, along with the 90 little lighthouses. The lighthouses have been painted by school kids, community groups and artists. After the final event, organisers will auction the sculptures to raise money for Clan Cancer Support.
Booking Details
Bookings are available for a 90 minute slot on each day:
Friday 29 Oct 10am – 5.30pm (last admission 4pm)
Saturday 30 Oct 10am – 5.30pm (last admission 4pm)
Sunday 31 Oct 10am – 4.30pm (last admission 3pm)
Tickets are £5.00 per adult (age 18 and over) and £3.00 per child (age 17 and below) plus online booking fees. You can purchase them at www.lightthenorth.co.uk/event/farewell-weekend/
*There is a quiet hour on Sunday 31st October from 10am – 11am. Organisers will play no music throughout the event site. This will make it suitable for adults and children with specific sensory needs.
Fiona Fernie of Clan and Light the North
Fiona Fernie is Clan's Head of Income Generation and Business Development and Project Director for Light the North. She said “We can’t quite believe we are almost at the end of the ‘Light the North’ trail which culminates in our ‘Farewell Weekend’ and then our auction. North-east people have taken the trail to their hearts and been so involved in visiting all 50 lighthouses across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. These lighthouses, designed and painted by professional, emerging and as yet undiscovered artists. They've shone their lights across the north east for 10 weeks. The have encouraged people to explore and discover the region like never before.”
Our North-east adventurers have shared their personal stories and photographs, which has been a joy to see.
Fiona Fernie
Fiona continued, "The ‘Farewell Weekend’ is a special event which makes it accessible for those who may not have had the opportunity to visit all the sculptures and gives them one last chance to be able to tick them off their list when they visit - whether that’s via the Lighthouse Trail app or in their sticker book. Each visitor will have a 90 minute slot to visit, take selfies and collect their final lighthouses."
Fiona concludes, “We want to take this opportunity to thank the amazing team at Wild in Art for partnering with us on the trail, the talented artists who created these bespoke and poignant sculptures and to our sponsors for their generosity and making this all possible. Last but not least to the people of the North-east - individuals, couples, families, businesses, schools and not forgetting the pets who have got out there, visited the trail and made a real difference.”
Charlie Langhorne from Wild in Art
Charlie Langhorne from Wild in Art also commented on Light the North. He said “Events like this can’t happen without the dedication of the local charities we partner with. Certainly not forgetting the artists who create these wonderful pieces of art as well as the generous sponsors. The success of this trail is testimony to the hard work and commitment from the team of staff and volunteers at Clan. They've battled through a pandemic to bring this amazing spectacle to the north east. Please support this wonderful local charity by attending the farewell weekend and bidding at the auction. This will help them continue to support the people in your communities who need Clan the most.”
More About Post Aberdeen
Kevin Mitchell and Chris Sansbury founded POST from a desire to cut through the noise to share the great things that happen in Aberdeen. They focus on community, culture and the interesting people of the city. The local artists, businesses and charities; photographers, musicians and entertainers; the people at a local level that make a positive impact on our city each and every day. Their monthly newsletter, Your Aberdeen, takes a look at what's been going on in the city from all different angles.
The goal is simple. To use video, audio, writing and social media to amplify the voices in our community, and to ultimately give a platform to Aberdeen folk to engage and tell their own stories.
Recent work includes interviews with Paralympic gold medalist, Neil Fachie; Chef, an Aberdeen rapper who is pushing for success; an article by film director Mark Stirton abut the state of high-rise buildings in the city; coverage of Nuart Aberdeen and TEDx Aberdeen, as well as coverage of British Art Show 9. Visit postabdn.com to read a great selection of interviews and articles.
British Art Show 9 - Asking big questions
British Art Show 9 has been at Aberdeen Art Gallery for over a month now. Many of you will have been to visit, while many others have not. Some will love it, others may not. One thing is for sure, though. It’s undeniable. It’s asking pretty big questions of its audience on its themes of healing, care and reparative history, and it’s not afraid what we might say in reply.
So let’s have a look at the show. I really wanted to find out what BAS9 tells us about modern Britain.
Heads up here. I’m going to use the word ‘works’ here a lot when speaking about the art generally. It’s not a perfect word, but in a show that contains paintings, photographs, sculpture, video, soundscapes and many more besides, it’s as good a capture-all word for the art as any other.
The first visit
I was lucky enough to visit on opening night, but I have to admit I was left feeling a little disappointed. I felt that what I was seeing was a cut and paste. Pre made work dropped into a space that was seemingly not expecting it. I wondered if the artists hearts were really in this post Brexit, mid pandemic exhibition. What story are the artists and curators were telling me, either in individual works or the show as a whole? I left Aberdeen Art Gallery feeling a little flat.
But I saw it. I saw it with a small crowd, faces covered apart from their eyes and I realised this isn’t how I enjoy art.
Finding the right time
Like many in Aberdeen, I think my big art event every year has become Nuart Aberdeen. In normal years, when it visits the city, huge crowds fill the streets. I love those crowds. The delight on people's faces as they look at vast murals is intoxicating. I get out there with my camera and photograph their faces. Our city at its very best. But I actually see very little of the artwork on those big days. I save that for later. When everyone goes home I go back out to the empty streets and take in the work in my own time and headspace.
So I went back on my own at a quiet time of the day and was able to give it my full attention. Let’s have a look at the work that stood out for me.
Patrick Goddard – Animal Antics
Created for British Art Show 9, Patrick Goddard’s Animal Antics is a short film featuring a woman and her talking dog. As they talk and walk round a zoo it becomes apparent that the small smug white dog has a pretty oppressive view of the world.
It’s beautifully shot, but awkward to watch as the dog’s often detestable rants are played in part for comedy. The film feels a bit reminiscent of a ’70s sitcom but without the laughter track. However, as time rolls on, we start to see the uncomfortable link between the dog’s bigotry and the way we as a society treat animals.
At just under 40 minutes, it’s a long viewing time for an art exhibit, but well worth watching from start to finish.
Margaret Salmon – I You Me We Us
Glasgow based artist Margaret Salmon’s contribution to BAS9 is a 16 minute silent film shown on two stacked monitors which ‘talk’ to each other. We’re exploring affection here, and the small intimate touches and sounds we share with the people we love. It's very tender and gentle to watch. You can find yourself
The space on this work is perfect. The monitors stand in a corner but they capture people’s attention as they move from one space to the next. It’s great fun to watch couples walk past, then turn back to watch longer, to see more of the affectionate moments that Margaret Salmon has shared.
Hardeep Pandhal
Glasgow based Hardeep Pandhal’s installation grabbed me on my first visit and kept me coming back for more. He works with his mum on amazing knitted works, but his illustrations are what captured my attention, with the feel Robert Crumb of fantastical '60s stoner comics. 2Pac makes an appearance, and we take a look at how we have come to misuse the word ‘thug’.
Each time I visit I find something new about this to enjoy. Something that amuses or maybe I peel back another layer. Not only does it look great, but it really does reward you for repeated visits and taking a little time to look into Pandhal’s influences and previous works.
The Needle and the Larynx (still), 2016
© the artist. Courtesy the artist and Serpentine Galleries, London
Marianna Simnett – The Needle and the Larynx
Another video production, Marianna Simnett films herself going through a medical procedure to lower the pitch of her voice. For the sake of art. The practice is sometimes used help young men who’s voice doesn’t settle after puberty.
We don’t normally see medical procedures like this, and Simnett uses slow motion and artistic editing to ensure that as an audience, we never flinch from seeing the disquieting procedure from start to finish. Matched with its hypnotic soundtrack, it’s an uncomfortable watch, but you can’t tear your eyes away. Of all the works at British Art Show 9, this was the one that stuck with me for days after.
It’s worth noting that The Needle and the Larynx might not be for you if you are particularly squeamish.
No wrong opinions
Fellow visitors to British Art Show 9 might notice that most of my favourite works use video as their medium. That, of course, is entirely down to my personal taste, and possibly where I am able to see beyond the surface. I can offer a little more than “that’s pretty” or “I don’t like that”.
There are maybe a handful of works on display at BAS9 for you too. Ones that you’ll be particularly taken by. Hopefully to even draw you back for repeated visits. Those works could well be different from the ones that excited me.
So what does BAS9 tell us about Modern Britain?
I think curators Irene Aristizábal and Hammad Nasar have taken a deliberately hands-off approach to an overall show message. There is no message. We aren't supposed to walk away thinking our views on this strange island we all live on have been confirmed, adjusted or derided. There's definitely a conversation to be had as to whether that was a good option.
We're supposed to walk away having maybe been moved by some exciting modern art. Beyond that, we can argue which ones we like best, and why, but British Art Show 9 is not answering questions on its themes of healing, care and reparative history; it's asking them. How do YOU feel about these things? Where do YOU stand? What do YOU care about?
What do you need to know?
British Art Show 9 runs in Aberdeen until 10th October, before it moves on to Wolverhampton. As with almost everything at Aberdeen Art Gallery, its free but depending on current Covid19 restrictions, you may need to book a visit. My advice is take your time with the works on show. My first visit was 3 hours long and that was probably rushing it.
Where: Aberdeen Art Gallery
When: July 10 – October 10 2021
Opening Hours: Monday 10am-5pm, Tuesday closed, Wednesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm
Cost: Free
Let us know what you think of the show. As with all art, there are NO WRONG ANSWERS here.
Gray’s School of Art Graduate Degree Show 2021
The Gray's School of Art Graduate Degree Show launches on 9 July. Sustainability is the focus of many of the students' final year projects. The show, named Onwards, is the second that the school will hold online due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
With expectations high for another year of high quality, inspiring work, Gray's reached out to tell us about some of the graduates who's work will be on display.
Tom Andrew
One of those exhibiting, is 21-year-old product designer 3D design student, Tom Andrew from Torphins. With a keen interest in the future of transport and an environmental consciousness, Tom has created ‘TEXTAM’. This is a light-weight and highly functionable skateboard that reduces the reliance on private cars.
Tom says: “I want to challenge current modes of transport. Currently, mobility in urban locations is environmentally unfriendly, congested, and unsustainable. I have created a compact and sustainable skateboard that tackles short but important journeys. I want to challenge urban transport issues and to push micro-mobility into the future.
'Textam’ provides a practical solution to the first and last mile often needed at the beginning and end of a trip made on public transport. While you may take a bus or train for most of your journey, your final destination maybe too far to walk onto. Microbility products such as my lightweight skateboard, Textam, plug the gaps often found in public transport routes. In turn, this will reduce the need for private cars in city centres. As a result it will make cities such as Aberdeen, greener and cleaner places to live.”
Leanne Daphne
Another student with an environmental ethos at this year’s degree show, is Communication Design graduate, Leanne Daphne Goodall. 26-year-old Leanne-Daphne recently won the Scottish Kelpie Illustration Award. In addition, Penguin Books put her in the shortlist for their Student Design Award 2021. She uses illustration to tackle the effects of climate change through a fantasy adventure story, Hollow as she explains:
“The story for ‘Hollow’ is heavily influenced by the issues we face today. For example, global warming, pollution and over consumption. My project had to appeal and educate young audiences in a fun and engaging way. Hollow embodies the concept of a living planet and plays with the question of how we would treat Earth if we could see it as a living creature instead of a resource? I want people to see the world in a way where we can empathise with it instead of just seeing it as a resource to harvest.”
Maria Laidlaw
Jewellery designer and 3D design student, Maria Laidlaw showcases a collection of jewellery. She created her work from repurposed scrap metal to make intricate jewellery. With a rich cultural heritage, Canadian born, Maria hopes to inspire other creatives to embrace sustainability in their own work. She is passionate about addressing our throw-away society.
Maria said: “I have always been quite practical and dislike waste of any kind. As a result of our times and a desire to work more sustainably and ethically, it only seemed right to me that we use materials that could be repurposed in some way. I feel very passionate about this and believe that artists and makers can be pivotal in changing social perceptions. I adore old things and take inspiration from their stories. That’s whether it's material, architectural or historical. I hope people who view my work will consider its material legacy.”
Other Highlights
Other highlights from Gray’s Digital Degree Show, Onwards, include Fashion & Textile design student, Cameron Lyall who is showcasing a unisex collection of clothing called ‘NO-PLACE’. His work was inspired by a trip to a desolate spot at Balmedie beach, north of Aberdeen. He invites viewers to go on their own reflective journey as they watch a 3-minute screening, set in a dimly-lit atrium, where they can find their own ‘NO-PLACE’.
Head of Gray’s School of Art, Libby Curtis, said: “Our students have created an exceptional body of work for this year’s digital degree show, Onwards, which we look forward to unveiling to a global audience at our launch event, on July 9. Sustainability underpins a number of our graduate projects and demonstrate how forward-thinking our creatives are.”
What you need to know
Gray’s School of Art graduate degree show, ‘Onwards’, officially launches online to the public on Friday 9 July and runs for ten days. Throughout the show, there will be a mix of talks, interactive workshops, fashion shows and music.
Visitors will be able to explore a traditional archive of artists, with a simple click through of art works, featuring audio descriptions and visual images. Organisers will give attendees the option to explore the exhibition in a more experimental way. Visitors will take part in an immersive journey, as they navigate their way through a series of 3D virtual spaces.
Robert Gordon University, Gray’s School of Art, Digital Degree Show, ‘Onwards’, has been developed in partnership with Gray’s students, Gray’s School of Art’s creative unit Look Again, which hosts a biennial festival in Aberdeen, and Aberdeen-based design agency Design and Code.
Read About Gray’s graduate Indie McCue. His gallery of animations in partnership with Look Again added a touch of couloir to Aberdeen City Centre.
Stuck Up - the Nuart Aberdeen event you can be part of
Nuart Aberdeen have called on the people of Aberdeen to be part of a record breaking new street art project. 'Stuck Up' is a worldwide collaboration which will take place in the city centre this July.
Aberdeen Inspired have earmarked a half kilometre wall for the world’s largest paste-up wall. 'Stuck Up' will feature curated pieces from a selection of Nuart artists. Partner Flying Leaps will provide archive revolutionary street art posters. The wall will also feature submissions from artists, poets and creatives from around the world.
Organisers are asking local folk to contribute to 'Stuck Up', making this a truly collaborative paste-up wall. It will run from the East Green into the Tunnels. They hope that the finished wall will the biggest of its kind in the world.
Martyn Reed is Director and Founder of the Stavanger based arts organisation Nuart. He told us, “Paste Ups are more often than not regarded as an artwork in their own right. Artists usually create them in a studio before they transplant them on the streets. The practice also crosses over into notions of the more familiar fly-posting. This is when art becomes the vessel for political sentiments and social calls to action.
“In many ways, Paste-Ups demand little more than a tabletop, scissors, magazines and /or paper. They are as much related to ‘craft’ as to the rarefied world of contemporary art.
“Perhaps what the world needs right now is a less ‘stuck-up’ and judgmental look at the collective capacity of our communities to engage in shaping public space. We are returning to a more honest involvement in art as we create it within cities.
“Art can be humble while still making an impact; as much craft as high concept, while still grabbing attention and changing minds. The more accessible the initial process of making art becomes, the more likely it is to reach a wider audience.”
Nuart Aberdeen will take place over the whole summer for 2021. The socially distanced event brings back the fun and colour of Nuart without crowds. In previous years people visited the city centre in one weekend.
Aberdeen inspired Chief Executive Adrian Watson commented on the 'Paste Up' project. He said, “This is an exciting opportunity for local artists, creatives, schools, poets, companies and even groups of friends or families to get involved with Nuart Aberdeen this summer."
“Classes can get together to create a poster from their school. University students can perhaps recreate some of their work in poster form. Colleagues can have fun creating a poster of unique work for the wall. Perhaps these posters reflect the challenges they have faced over the last fifteen months."
Nuart Aberdeen is all about making art accessible and open to everyone. ‘Stuck Up’ is a safe and novel way to involve local people in creating an original and unique piece of work for the city as part of this year’s production
Adrian Watson
Councillor Marie Boulton, Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesperson, said “What a fantastic opportunity for local people to be part of Nuart Aberdeen this year. The wall, which we hope will be the biggest ‘Paste Up’ gallery in the world will be a unique piece for the city and regardless of age or ability."
"The public will create their posters and to submit them to be included. Then the team will post them alongside posters created by international artists. I’m looking forward to seeing all the submissions. It will be so interesting to see what the people of Aberdeen and the North-East say and create for the wall.”
How to take part in Stuck Up
As long as they are not massively offensive Nuart will use all submissions for the wall. As a result you can easily get involved by creating your own posters, poems, print outs, photos and collages. Send them to: STUCK UP, THE ANATOMY ROOMS, MARISCHAL COLLEGE, SHOE LANE, ABERDEEN, AB10 1AN.
The wall will be produced during the month of July 2021. Read about Indie's McCue's Look Again project.
New Look Again project to light up Aberdeen
Aberdeen's Look Again project will host a gallery of animations bringing light and colour to the city this week. The Robert Gordon Uni backed event has launched a new exhibition in its St.Andrew Street Project Space.
‘Roy Gets Sad’, features the work of Indie McCue. The Gray’s School of Art graduate has created a set of vibrant animations that explore social inclusion and acceptance. The Look Again Seed fund supports the event. In addition, they support emerging creative talent in the North East.
Robert Gordon University invited artist Indie McCue to explore their Art & Heritage Collection. His research included art pieces created by artists from Gray’s School of Art, stretching back to the 1960s. Furthermore, McCue focuses on social inclusion and the search for acceptance in society.
Artist Indie McCue says; “My personal experience of social inclusion and exclusion has been exaggerated by the Covid 19 pandemic, much like the general population. The pandemic has provided a new digital space for social inclusion. However, we need to work hard to be accepted face to face. Gray’s School of Art’s Look Again project has offered me support as an emerging artist. Now I would encourage everyone to come along to see the exhibition for themselves.”
“Within my work, I explore a character called Roy who embodies difference and searches for belonging and purpose only to be devastated at each step by those who judge the alternative. Roy strives to find a place of solace, fun and friendship through this series of animations that I hope people will connect with and enjoy.”
Indie McCue
The Look Again Project
You can view The Look Again gallery through the window on St.Andrew Street and it is free for everyone to enjoy. In addition, the gallery will offer the chance download QR codes and to interact with a series of computer games.
We spoke to Hilary Nicoll, Co-Lead for the Look Again Project. She said, “Robert Gordon University is committed to supporting the creative sector in the North East. In fact, this Look Again project is one way of animating vacant space in the city centre with art, design and creative projects.
Covid-19 has brought its challenges for those working in the creative industry, like others. As a result, our Look Again projects continues to support grass roots artist and our window gallery, has demonstrated that it is possible to showcase new talent in the north east.
Hilary Nicoll
Find out more
Look Again is a creative unit based at Gray’s School of Art, RGU in Aberdeen. The group hosts a range of events and exhibitions throughout the year. Furthermore, the team designed the events to connect, highlight and strengthen the creative sector in Aberdeen and North East Scotland. The group receives support from Creative Scotland and Aberdeen City Council.
To find out more about the project visit their website. In addition, check our post about the long anticipated return of Nuart Aberdeen for 2021.
Nuart Aberdeen makes a long awaited return for 2021
Nuart Aberdeen will return to the city for a Covid-safe series of outdoor events starting in June, and continuing over the summer of 2021. As a result, we can look forward to a full summer of new street art murals around Aberdeen city centre.
Organisers cancelled the 2020 event due to the global pandemic. Also, many had assumed the same would happen this year. However, producers of the event have announced that a return of the city’s flagship street art festival is imminent, albeit in a slightly different guise. In a change from previous years organisers have set a theme for artists to explore; Memory and the City.
In previous years all the artworks we revealed by organisers over one weekend at the end of April. However, this year, starting in June, one artist will come to the city at a time, supported by Nuart’s local production team. Organisers are hoping that the extended festival will attract visitors to the city in a covid-safe way. This will be the fourth year that the Nuart festival has come to Aberdeen, and hopes are that this could be the best yet.
Nuart haven’t wasted any time by announcing the first artist in their 2021 line-up. Renowned painter Helen Bur is making her way back to the city. The Aberdeen public loved her twin works the now demolished Greyfriars House at the Gallowgate. She’ll be exploring the Memory and the City theme.
We are very exited for Nuart Aberdeen's return to the city. Last year’s cancellation was necessary but a real blow. Also, we’re pleased organisers have re-worked the event in order to avoid massive crowds…maybe we can all get back together next year!
Read More
Check out our previous story about Nuart Aberdeen walking tours. These were a brilliant way to explore the murals, and find out the stories behind them.
Temp Check: Creative and podcaster Ica Headlam
2020 has been harder for Ica Headlam than most…but has also seen him make the push from podcaster to campaigner. Originally from London, but settled in the the city for more than 15 years, his show Creative Me Podcast has shone a spotlight on the work of many of Aberdeen’s artists, musicians and creative businesses, putting him at the centre of a renaissance of our creative scene. This year he launched We Are Here Scotland. This is a platform to help lift up the voices of artistic people of colour throughout Scotland.
With so much going on in his life, we thought it was time to catch up with him and find out how he’s doing.
Hey Ica. Thanks for taking some time out to be probed by our questions. Traditionally we start with a question that’s easy to ask, but not always easy to answer honestly…how are you doing right now?
I’m doing good thanks. 2020 has been one of those years where we all just can’t wait to get to the finish line. We all hope better things in the new year.
2020 has been a rough year for many people, but you more than most. Tell us a little about what has been going on in your bubble.
Well as you know I caught Corona Virus in late April this year. This resulted in treatment at ARI for five days. It’s been a long road to recovery in terms of living with Long Covid health issues and Chest X-Rays as I developed pneumonia scarring on my lungs. But in comparison to my health earlier this year I am doing much better. I returned back to work in mid-October.
Being a huge fan and supporter of podcasts for a long time I just really wanted to document in my own way what was happening in the place I call home.
Creative Me Podcast has been on the go for 3 years now. What made you decide to start podcasting?
Being a huge fan and supporter of podcasts for a long time I wanted to document in my own way. What was happening in the place I call home. My particular interest is very much rooted in art, creativity, and community engagement. It’s crazy to think how quickly three years has gone by. However it’s something that I’m very passionate about. Having conversations with people in North East of Scotland who love what they do
I’m maybe opening myself up for a hiding here, but what do you think makes a great interview?
In my experience, a great interview happens when you put the guest at ease. When you make them comfortable with opening up about who they are and why they do what they do. I take a very simple approach with my conversations. I treat it like I’m just catching up with someone over a cuppa. Having a respectful conversation that hopefully doesn’t come across as one sided.
[pours cuppa]
So tell us what have been your biggest frustrations in recent times?
There have been stages when I would question as to whether the podcast was resonating with the target audiences. That is to say artists and creatives in the North East of Scotland and beyond. However, time has shown that when you keep being consistent with what you’re doing, good things will come back to you. People will recognise your hard work in one way or another.
How important is community to you?
It’s very important to me. Communities DO THINGS. They put on events, showcases and exhibitions. Community is something that I have seen a lot of. Especially this year during the pandemic. Small local businesses across various industries amplifying each other’s voices.
You’ve recently started a campaign to support and amplify the voices of people of colour in Scotland. How do you hope to help shine a beacon on these voices?
I hope We Are Here Scotland can exist beyond an online platform for championing people of colours within Scotland’s creative industries. This is why I have registered the platform as a Community Interest Company. I also set up the We Are Here Scotland Creators Fund. It's is a GoFundMe campaign which I established to provide practical support for creatives. Those that may require financial assistance for new equipment, exhibitions, residencies, or collaborate projects.
I get inspired by people who step out of their comfort zones and follow through with ideas that they are passionate about.
You (like me) seem to collect side projects. What do you think that says about you?
I think it tells me that I like to keep myself busy. My brain is always ticking over with ideas or thinking about what’s next. I think I’ve always had an inquisitive mind set too. I want to find out ways of doing things. The way things work. This is especially when it’s something I have an interested in.
Who inspires you?
This is a hard question as I can’t say just once person. However, for me people who step out of their comfort zones inspire me. Those follow through with ideas that they are passionate about. It takes a lot of courage and nerve to put yourself out there and remain consistent with it. There are so many people I know who have done this. That inspires me to keep doing what I do.
Has 2020 changed you in any way?
Oh for sure man not just physically since having Covid but also within my mindset. Like I love everything that I do. However, I also very much value the time I have with my wife Beth and our daughter Izzy. This is why podcasting or meetings for We Are Here doesn’t take place on weekends or when I’m on holiday. When I was unwell in hospital I honestly thought I wasn’t going recover. That very much changes your outlook on life in terms of health. Who you are as a person and how you want to live your life moving forward.
Thanks again to Ica to take some time out of his busy schedule to have a chat. I you’d like to know a little bit more, you can go read about (and donate to) the We Are Here Scotland Creators Fund. The Creative Me Podcast has recently done a series of episodes with North Lands Creatives interviewing artisans about their relationship with glass.
Read more about the experience of running a creative business. Check out our conversation with Gary Kemp, founder of Doric Skateboards.
Enjoy a splash of colour with Nuart walking tours
Nuart walking tours are a brilliant way to see Aberdeen, and the spectacular street art that adds a splash of colour to our cityscape.
The worldwide popularity of urban art has grown massively since the turn of the century and this is no small part due the Nuart Festival, held every year in Stavanger, Norway.
Since 2001 artists from around the world have adorned the city’s buildings with beautiful and diverse works that have garnered admirers from around the globe.
In 2017, Nuart spun off a new festival in Stavanger’s twin town of Aberdeen, Scotland. Each April, artists are invited to the city to work on permanent legal sites which contrast stunningly against the city’s grey granite buildings. An opening weekend of celebrations, talks and events is seen by many as a kickstart to the summer months ahead.
Where to find Nuart Walking Tours
Every Thursday at 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday at 1pm, Nuart Aberdeen hold free tours of the city centre’s street art. No matter what the weather. They are fun, interesting and packed full of gossip about the creation of the artwork and the artists behind them. They last about 90 mins. I you haven’t already, you should get yourself, your friends and family along to one soon and discover Nuart Aberdeen!
About POST
Kevin Mitchell and Chris Sansbury founded POST from a desire to cut through the noise. To share the great things that happen in Aberdeen. They therefore focus on community, culture and the interesting people of the city. The local artists, businesses and charities; photographers, musicians and entertainers; the people at a local level that make a positive impact on our city each and every day. So they use video, audio, writing and social media to amplify the voices in our community. To ultimately give a platform to Aberdeen folk to engage and tell their own stories.
Recent work includes interviews with We Are Here Scotland founder Ica Headlam; Paralympic gold medalist, Neil Fachie; Chef, an Aberdeen rapper who is pushing for success; an article by film director Mark Stirton about the state of high-rise buildings in the city; coverage of Nuart Aberdeen and TEDx Aberdeen, as well as coverage of British Art Show 9.
Are you offended by the word “slave”?
An Aberdeen artist has had a run-in with a housing officer for painting his trademark SLAVE pieces on a legal graffiti wall at Donside Village and was told never to paint it again because it “threatens residents in the area”.
He told us “It’s not like I have ever written slave in an offensive manner.”
Fellow artist ‘V-Lad’ who runs this legal wall space for Wallspot was told to cover the work before the police were involved. The pair’s solution was to change the pieces into a message about censorship and a discussion about enslavement in the 21st century.
What do you think? Was SLAVE being a little insensitive, or was the housing officer overstepping their authority? Does the resulting discussion bring the issues to a wider audience? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.