#SaveCulture - We MUST protect Aberdeen's vital cultural programme
Aberdeen City Council faces a considerable funding shortfall, posing a significant challenge. Various proposed solutions have been suggested, including a drastic reduction in the cities cultural budget. This will inevitably result in the disappearance of many of the city's events.
It's time we made the call to #SaveCulture in Aberdeen.
In recent years, few things have brought the city together more than its exceptional festivals. Aberdeen is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage that can only reach its full potential with a well-funded cultural programme. Nurturing our culture requires passion, hard work, and healthy financial support.
Participating in cultural activities lets people feel connected to others and feel a sense of belonging.
Cultural events and activities improve people's well-being by providing a sense of community, reducing isolation, and promoting mental health. Participating in cultural activities lets people feel connected to others and feel a sense of belonging. Additionally, cultural activities such as dance, music, and theatre can provide therapy and help people express themselves creatively.
Essential for wellbeing, business, diversity and jobs
Festivals and cultural events attract visitors from around the country and the world. This brings in desperately-needed revenue for local businesses, hotels, and restaurants. In addition, cultural institutions such as museums, galleries, and theatres create jobs and contribute to the local economy. Investing in cultural programmes supports a cultural tourism industry and bolsters our local economy.
The city's cultural programme provides opportunities for people from different backgrounds to come together and celebrate our diversity. Providing a platform for people to share their cultural traditions and practices promotes understanding and appreciation of other cultures. This leads to a more inclusive society.
Investing in cultural programmes supports a cultural tourism industry and bolsters our local economy
Cultural programmes provide educational opportunities for people of all ages, allowing them to learn about different cultures, histories, and art forms. This promotes learning and creates a more informed and engaged community. By investing in cultural programmes, the city can provide opportunities for its residents to learn and grow, which can help to improve our quality of life.
How can you join the call to #SaveCulture
We've listed a few things you can do to convince Aberdeen City Council that cutting its cultural budget is not the solution that some may think it might be. No decisions have been made yet, but this will be discussed TOMORROW, so now is the time to take action.
- Contact your councillors. Visit the WriteToThem website and enter your postcode to find out who your representatives are. Then, go to the Aberdeen City Council website for their email addresses. Compose a brief email to them all expressing dissatisfaction with any proposal to cut the budget and explain why. Don't forget to include your home address. This lets them know you are a constituent.
- Sign the online petition at change.org, leaving a personalised message of support.
- Use the hashtag #SaveCulture to share your thoughts on social media. Specifically, share some of your favourite events from recent years and explain why these events are significant to you.
- Share this article and spread the word on the value and importance of the cultural program in Aberdeen. You can help #SaveCulture in your city!
A well-funded cultural programme is crucial for Aberdeen. Promoting diversity, boosting the economy, enhancing education, and improving well-being create a more vibrant and thriving community. Investment in cultural programmes makes the city a cultural destination. The alternative is empty theatres, creative spaces and galleries. This would inescapably lead to more empty shops, cafes and restaurants. Let's work together to #SaveCulture.
Aberdeen Art Gallery brings a little serenity to Relaxed Mondays
Visitors to Aberdeen Art Gallery can now experience a new relaxed and comfortable environment on Mondays. The gallery team hopes Relaxed Mondays will appeal to those who may prefer a calmer environment. This includes families with neurodivergent children, neurodivergent young people and adults, adults living with dementia, and those with mental health problems.
To provide a more sensory-friendly environment, the Gallery has teamed up with Aberdeen charity, We Too! The team received ‘sensory first aid’ training and developed resources, such as an access guide, visual story, sensory den, and sensory kits, to make the experience more enjoyable for all visitors. The charity, which has previously supported visitors with additional support needs during the Spectra festival in 2022, will have their Ninjas on hand during this weekend's Spectra event.
Relaxed Mondays make everyone's experience memorable
Visitors on Relaxed Mondays can expect to be greeted by friendly, well-trained staff who are ready to answer any questions and make everyone's experience memorable. Sensory backpacks are available to borrow to further enhance the visit, including dark glasses, ear defenders, and fidget toys. A quiet sensory den has also been set up for those who may need a moment of peace.
Everyone is welcome to visit on Mondays, but to ensure a relaxed environment, the Gallery will not be accepting large group bookings. The friendly staff will be on hand to make everyone feel at home.
Creating the best customer experience for everyone
Phionna McInnes, of We Too! said, “As a customer-driven organisation, it’s our aim to reverse the inclusion model where Relaxed Sessions are predominantly for ASN (Additional Support Needs) participants, but in fact everyone is welcome as long as they are aware of the needs of others visiting at that time. It’s been great working with the Gallery team and other partners in the city who are passionate about inclusion and creating the best customer experience for everyone.”
Relaxed Mondays begin at Aberdeen Art Gallery on Monday 13 February.
Admission free
www.aagm.co.uk
Aberdeen groups awarded £333,333 for eco projects
The team at ACVO has been in touch to tell us about the 13 community groups and charities that have been awarded grants from the Scottish government’s Just Transition Fund. These organisations will each receive a share of £333,333 for their environmentally friendly projects in Aberdeen, chosen by a public vote last month.
ACVO's Maggie Hepburn was impressed by the enthusiasm shown by the general public to be involved in voting for projects. She said: "I hope people can see that their votes have had real benefit for the third sector organisations who were successful.”
Local people guide how the region moves towards net zero
ACVO, who promote and foster the growth and participation of the Third Sector in Aberdeen, said the goal of the funding is to allow local people to have a say in how the region moves towards net zero emissions.
NESCAN Hub helps communities work together to organise climate projects, providing training, help and support. The two organisations have collaborated on distributing the grants. They have been focusing on projects that align with the needs and priorities of local communities.
Transportation is the main focus of many of the funding awards. Somebody Cares, Aberdeen Science Centre, Alcohol and Drugs Action, North East Sensory Services, Tillydrone Community Council and Camphill Wellbeing Trust have all chosen to use the grants to purchase and operate electric vehicles. This will of course help lower emissions for their services.
Cafe and community space Greyhope Bay has been awarded £11,000. This will be used to implement a recycling and waste management system at Torry Battery. Meanwhile, Cornhill Community Association has been awarded £16,625 to establish a community garden in the Cornhill/Stockethill area of the city.
The 'Family Food: Fresh and Frugal' initiative at Garthdee Field Allotments has been awarded £20,789 in funding. This project involves allotment volunteers collaborating with students at Kaimhill Primary School to cultivate and cook their own vegetables. Additionally, The 9th Aberdeen Scout Group has been awarded £30,000 to make their Scout Hut in Broomhill more environmentally friendly. The group will achieve this through upgrades such as better insulation and roofing.
More green projects
Friends of Westfield Park got £10,400 for improvements to the park. They plan to add a container with a plant-covered "green roof" and also shelters for community events. The Allotment Market Stall, which takes place at parks across the city, received £13,590 to build a toilet that turns waste into compost at their Grove Nursery location.
Lastly, the Bonnymuir Green Community Trust has been awarded funding of £3,900 to assist in the maintenance of their community green space.
The Scottish Government launched the Just Transition Fund back in May 2022. This ten-year fund of £500 million is intended to help the North-East region transition to net-zero emissions.
Further details of the successful projects, as well as details of the free funding support offered by ACVO for charities and community groups in Aberdeen, can be found on their website.
Aberdeen Lynx play with pride despite loss
It's been a while since my last visit to see Aberdeen Lynx play at Linx Ice Arena. It was certainly before the pandemic. My friend Susan looks after the media for the club and she invited me to go along to their Pride match against the Kirkcaldy Kestrels on Saturday night.
Ice Hockey clubs all across the UK have been standing with their LGBTQ+ communities, playing under the rainbow flag, and wearing glorious special limited edition shirts. At Aberdeen Lynx, these shirts are on auction until 29 January. You can bid for one of these amazing shirts here and here. Half the profits from the auction will be donated to Four Pillars, a local charity that helps supports the health and well-being of the LGBT+ community. While the other half will go towards youth development at the club. The Lynx are the only club in the SNL to take part this year but hope they are leading the way for others.
A little less chilly than normal
So my 9-year-old assistant and I (my daughter) arrived at the Linx Ice Arena on a cold January night with a bag of sweeties in my pocket. We headed straight for the 'Chuck the Puck' stand, a fun mid-game for spectators where you can win big. In the second-period break, kids throw these pucks onto the ice, and the closest to the centre point wins a prize. The kids love it, and well, so did I.
Maybe it was the cold outside or the warm welcome we received, but we both noticed that it felt a little less chilly than expected as we took our seats inside the arena.
There was a crackle in the air
As the Zamboni cleaned the ice, the growing crowd started to get excited. There was a crackle in the air as the teams finished their warm-up as they knew what was coming next. The fans were up for a big game.
The last time these teams played, it had been a strong win for the Lynx, and the crowd were up for more.
The crowd settled in their seats, the lights in the whole arena turned red and phone torch lights sparkled throughout the stands as the players burst onto the ice to the loudest of cheers. Everyone was ready for the head-to-head. The music blared stadium classics such as Guns N' Roses, Metallica and Queen blasted over the tannoy.
Let's GO!
And the Aberdeen Lynx crowd went wild
The teams took their places. The referees, wearing their black and white striped shirts, gingerly found their spot. Then the whistle blew, the music stopped dead, the first period got underway and the crowd went wild. Aberdeen Lynx immediately looked like a more confident team. Each player a little stronger and more skilled than their Kestrels opponent.
This domination meant that after around 12 minutes, Kestrels found themselves two goals down courtesy of Lynx players Jack Flynn and Jordan Leydon. However, it wasn't long before the Kestrels drew one back and things got more bad-tempered. Gloves and helmets were thrown down and fists went flying - welcome to the other side of ice hockey. All this was to the delight of the crowd, of course.
This type of on-ice fighting is allowed in ice hockey with a strange set of rules around it and everyone seems fit to allow it, even the family-friendly crowds. As soon as any player hits the ice, the refs step in. But anyone taking part knows they'll get at least five minutes in the sin bin, and this too is accepted.
"Is that the naughty step?" asked my assistant. "Yes," I replied, "it very much is."
The first period ended just in time to let the players cool down and the crowd take a well-earned breath.
Four Pillars for the LGBT+ community
We went to look at what was on offer at the stalls. I was getting the feeling that a plan was being formed by my assistant, but nothing was said as we walked past each stall to check what was on offer.
The team at Four Pillars were present at their stall, speaking to passers by As recipients of the fundraising from the Lynx pride week, they were reaching out to the Lynx fans to let them know about the services they provide. Four Pillars is a community support group that was started in 2016 by a group of people who saw a need for more support and services for the LGBT+ community in Grampian. Their goal is to help people with their mental, emotional, physical and sexual health, and bring the community together through peer education and one-on-one support.
Non-stop action, everything can change in seconds
Back to our seats ready for the second period. As the whistle blew, the sin bin was stacked thanks to the fallout from the first period. The Lynx were looking strong, and after 5 minutes they had restored their two-goal lead. Ben Edmonds is on target. This was a much calmer period though with both teams trading shots and the keepers standing their ground as the crowd ooh'd and aah'd in pure delight.
Ice hockey is a very high-paced sport. Even when goals aren't being scored, there is always something to grab your attention. A moment a skill, a stunning shot, a group of players smashing into the perspex at the side of the rink. It's non-stop action and everything can change in a only few seconds.
That was for the final period though.
As the whistle blew the plan that had been formed in the first break came back to the fore…"Dad. Can I have some money to get an Aberdeen Lynx scarf?" I delved into my pocket and played my part and Aberdeen Lynx had one more little cat as a firm fan.
A wonder goal from Aberdeen Lynx's Tom Johnston
As we headed into the final period, things looked treacherous for the Lynx. They were sitting back, awkwardly soaking up pressure from the Kestrels. It didn't take long for the visitors to cash in on that pressure as they reduced the deficit by one. However, two minutes later, a wonder goal from Tom Johnston restored Aberdeen Lynx's two-goal lead.
This wasn't over, though. Not by a long shot.
As the Lynx began to assert their dominance, the Kestrels team got frustrated, punches began to fly. While this was entertaining for the crowd, it felt that on the ice, the home team had lost their concentration. As they began to tire late in the game, the Kestrels found their opportunity and scored two in quick succession.
All square and everything to play for
With all square and everything to play for, it was a challenge that the Lynx felt they were up for. Less than a minute later Garry Kelly scored, quelling the fears of the crowd. It had been an incredibly entertaining match and the Aberdeen team deserved that lead, but things were getting a little sloppy. Kestrels didn't take long to draw level, and just like that, regular time was over.
Overtime is a tense matter in ice hockey – The first to score takes the glory. Lynx came out determined as they always do, to reward the home crowd with a victory. And, as they mounted wave after thrilling wave of attack against the visitors, it seemed certain that reward would come quickly. The Kirkcaldy goaltender blocked, parried and redirected the puck over and over again, but the Lynx knew this was their win.
And then it wasn't.
The whistle blew and the crowd were stunned
Halfway through overtime, the puck broke free towards the Lynx half, and Kirkcaldy Kestrels' Conor Duncan put it away. The whistle blew and the crowd were stunned. This hadn't been on the cards tonight, and yet here we were, politely clapping the teams as they lined up on the ice and shook hands like true sportsmen.
Did this really happen?
And that was it. We had been thoroughly entertained, but still went home with sporting disappointment. That said, the journey home through the dark was filled with conversation about how much fun we had, but still wondering what had gone wrong.
As we arrived home, my assistant pointed out that we had never opened the bag of sweeties. There hadn't been a single lull in the entertainment to think about them.
That's proper Saturday night fun. Next time, and there will be a next time, I'm taking the whole family!
The next generation is ready to step up
Aberdeen Lynx is very much a community-led organisation. Prices are fair, both for entry to the match and for snacks, drinks and merchandise. Young players get involved in the big matches, often helping out during matches and showing off their skills during breaks. There is a strong feeling that the next generation is ready to step into the skates of their heroes at any given moment.
About Aberdeen Lynx
The Aberdeen Lynx is a Scottish National League ice hockey team. They train and play at the Linx Ice Arena, regularly drawing in over 1000 fans. The team prioritises junior development, fielding teams of all ages and offering a Learn to Play program. Lynx players have gone on to play for their country. The Aberdeen Ice Hockey Club, the organisation behind the team, is a registered charity.
Get out and explore Aberdeen's Nuart murals
If you're looking for an exciting way to explore Aberdeen's street art scene, there's no better place to start than setting out to explore the city's Nuart Aberdeen murals. BBC Alba broadcast Tog do Shuil, a brilliant new documentary about the festival and many have been inspired to search out more. Since 2017, the team behind Nuart Aberdeen team has brought some of the world's best street artists to the city to make their mark. It is, without question, one of the most important street art festivals in the world.
In this post, we'll take a look at what makes Nuart Aberdeen so special. We'll also share some handy tips on how to best explore the Nuart Aberdeen murals.
Every year, Nuart Aberdeen brings together some of the world's most renowned street artists. Each of them has created stunning murals in the city's streets, parks, and public spaces.
A brief history of Nuart Aberdeen
Artist and curator Martyn Reed founded Nuart in Stavanger, Norway in 2002. He had found inspiration in the street art festivals he had attended in Europe, and wanted to bring that same energy to Stavanger, and later in 2017 to Aberdeen.
Over the years, Nuart Aberdeen has grown and evolved. And so it has now become one of the planet's most important street art festivals. World-class artists come to Aberdeen every year to take part in the festival. They transform the city's streets and public spaces into vibrant, dynamic works of art.
Nuart Aberdeen has also become a major draw for tourists. Large numbers flock to the city every year to see the murals and explore Aberdeen's streets. It has clearly become one of the city's biggest attractions. It's also a great starting point for discovering Aberdeen's unique culture and history.
Nuart Aberdeen highlights
Nuart Aberdeen has featured some of the world's most renowned street artists. They have left behind a legacy of amazing public art. From the striking, vibrant murals of Martin Whatson and Slim Safont to the surreal and captivating works of Strok, Aberdeen's streets are filled with stunning works of art.
Here are a few of the best murals that artists have created for Nuart Aberdeen:
KMG
KMG's massive mural on the side of Union Square is something special. Ken is a favourite of the Gray’s School of Art graduate. I think it’s safe to say, this is the biggest version of the playful character that KMG has produced.
Martin Whatson
Martin Whatson’s "The Quarry Worker" is a powerful homage to the grit and determination of Aberdeen's granite workers, a reminder of the importance of hard work and dedication. With his signature style which blends graffiti elements and calligraphic scribbles with vibrant colours, Whatson depicts a stencilled man sitting on top of a granite block.
Slim Safont
Slim Safont’s massive mural on Union Plaza is one of the finest examples of street art on display in Aberdeen. It not only looks brilliant but it also makes a strong point. You can either read it as a slight on big companies avoiding paying their taxes or about schools being there solely to produce good little taxpayers. How do you interpret it? That's up to you.
Strok
Strok’s work is electric, focusing on movement and how it interacts with the surrounding environment. As a photographer, he snaps shots of his subject moving through the streets below and transforms them into multi-layer stencils. When he places these works on the wall, they create a distorted perspective.
Helen Bur
One of the most eye-catching murals is Helen Bur’s stunning portrait of a couple with their baby at Union Row. It’s stunning to see such an intimate scene on such a huge scale. The mural is a beautiful testament to the importance of family and community.
Nuno Viegas
Nuno Viegas' has a background in graffiti writing, but when creating murals, his style is particularly polished. The finished product is clean and finessed, a contrast to the rough and ready nature of graffiti. His graffiti heritage is still reflected in this artwork. With strong bright colours and bold lines, it's one of the strongest murals of the 2022 crop.
Smug
Now missing its iconic neighbour across The Green, SMUG's photorealistic portrait of his friend along with his dog is a firm favourite with both passers-by and street art fans. It's one of the most striking Nuart Aberdeen murals and is often the first one visitors see when they arrive in Aberdeen by bus or train.
These are just a few of the incredible murals you can find in Aberdeen, and there are so many more to explore. Also, don't forget to look out for smaller Nuart work and some of the fantastic work by local street artists and graffiti writers along the way.
Tips for exploring Aberdeen's Nuart murals yourself
If you're looking to explore Aberdeen's street art scene with Nuart, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your experience:
- Make sure to bring a camera. Nuart Aberdeen's murals are a sight to behold, and you'll want to capture the experience. Use the hashtag #NuartAberdeen on social media, and the official account might even share your images.
- Take your time. Nuart Aberdeen's murals are complex works of art, and it's worth spending some time with them, looking from different spots and considering what they mean to you
- Look for work from local artists along the way. Check out the brilliant Street Art Aberdeen for an interactive map of most of the graffiti and murals on display around town.
- Explore the city. Aberdeen is a vibrant and exciting city, and it's worth exploring to get the most out of your experience. Grab a coffee from a local café as you wander around.
- Nuart Aberdeen hosts Street Art Walking Tours from spring through to autumn. They are a brilliant way to hear the back stories and gossip about the murals. This really is the best way to learn all about the art, giving you a deeper understanding of the work that adorns our city walls.
A masterpiece of public art
Over the past 5 years, artists have transformed the city centre of Aberdeen into a masterpiece of public art. The talented lineup of artists who have left their mark on walls comes from all over the world. Following these tips will help you to get the most out of your Nuart Aberdeen experience, and it's sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Whether you're local to Aberdeen or just visiting, it's worth taking a trip along a section of the city to go see these murals. They provide a unique reason to explore Scotland's most colourful city.
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Ernest Zacharevic - Nuart Aberdeen -
KMG - Nuart Aberdeen -
Fanakapan - Nuart Aberdeen -
Helen Bur - Nuart Aberdeen -
Hama Woods - Nuart Aberdeen -
Hendrik Uldalen - Nuart Aberdeen -
Milu Correch - Nuart Aberdeen -
Erin Holly - Nuart Aberdeen -
Jofre Oliveras - Nuart Aberdeen -
Martin Whatson - Nuart Aberdeen -
SNIK - Nuart Aberdeen -
Slim Safont - Nuart Aberdeen
Nuart Aberdeen will be back in 2023
Nuart Aberdeen exceeded all expectations last year by bringing people together in a time of disconnection. The festival attracted thousands of art enthusiasts from Aberdeen and around the world to flock to the city centre. They were mesmerised by the breathtaking street art and participated in the festive activities with great joy.
It's no surprise that this cherished event will return for yet another year this June. Nuart Aberdeen, since it arrived in the city in 2017, has become an integral part of the community, elevating the unique character of Aberdeen to new heights, and bringing with it a splash of colour.
What YOU can do to help save the Belmont Cinema
The closure of the Belmont Cinema was a major loss for Aberdeen's cultural scene. The city's only independent cinema was a beloved institution and a hub for film lovers.
News of the closure sparked outrage and sadness among the community. Many people took to social media to express their disappointment and memories of the cinema. They described it as a special place, with a cosy and welcoming atmosphere.
A cultural hub for film lovers
Since opening its doors in 2010, the Belmont Cinema established itself as a cultural hub for film lovers, offering a wide range of films from all around the world, including independent productions, foreign-language films, and classic movies.
One of the things that set The Belmont apart from other cinemas was its commitment to showcasing a diverse range of films. The cinema regularly hosted special events and film festivals which celebrated the best of Scottish and international cinema.
The Belmont Cinema was an essential destination
Overall, the Belmont Cinema was an essential destination for anyone who loves film and culture. Whether you were a film buff looking to discover the latest independent productions, or simply wanted to relax and enjoy a classic movie in beautiful surroundings, The Belmont had something for everyone.
The reasons for the closure were not immediately clear, but it is thought that the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic played a role. The cinema had been closed for several months due to lockdown measures, and it is possible that it was unable to recover financially.
A vital role in fostering a sense of community
The loss of the Belmont Cinema is a blow not just to film lovers, but to the city as a whole. Independent cinemas like The Belmont play a vital role in fostering a sense of community. They provide a platform for underrepresented voices and alternative perspectives.
The closure of the Belmont serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting independent cultural institutions. They play a hugely vital role in our communities.
How can YOU help save the Belmont Cinema?
There have been calls for the cinema to be saved. A petition has been launched and a crowdfunding campaign set up to try and raise funds to keep it open. It remains to be seen whether these efforts will be successful. However, you can play your part in efforts to save the Belmont Cinema.
We've put together some ideas of things you can take part in to help save the Belmont Cinema.
- Join the "Save the Belmont Cinema" group on Facebook. Fellow fans of the cinema regularly share news about how the campaign is progressing as well as treasured memories of the venue. You can also follow the campaign on Twitter.
- Attend events organised by the campaign including film screenings. This helps raise awareness and keeps the spirit of the Belmont Cinema alive and well.
- Reach out to your local councillor or MSP to advocate for the Belmont Cinema and its importance to the community. This could involve writing letters and emails or contacting them on social media. Be passionate…but be polite. They Work for You is a great place to find your elected representative.
- Volunteer your time to help the campaign directly. This can be done by reaching out on social media and explaining what skills you may have to share. The campaign is in its early stages at the time of writing, so they may not need you immediately, but your help will be appreciated.
- Share your memories of the cinema online, using the hashtag #SaveBelmont. This will help keep the benefits of The Belmont fresh in your community's heads. Also, like, comment and share when you see others posting their memories.
5 fantastic reasons to visit Aberdeen Art Gallery
Aberdeen Art Gallery is a vibrant cultural hub located in the heart of Aberdeen. Established in 1884, it’s a central cultural destination in the heart of the city, but since it’s re-opening in 2019, it has taken on a more welcoming member of the community. Gone are the days of shushing security guards and signs saying “no photography!” This is a space you can enjoy in short bites, or for a whole day.
It showcases classics and contemporary art, regularly exhibiting the works of emerging artists. The collections on display are always changing. In fact, it looks like the 2023 schedule of events is going to be one of its busiest yet.
The gallery's transformative renovation
The renovation of the gallery, which began in 2015, was a highly anticipated project in the city. The project aimed to transform the gallery into a world-class cultural destination for the community.
The renovation provided additional exhibition space and a rooftop terrace. It reopened in 2019 and attracted thousands of visitors from all over the world. The gallery was named Scotland’s building of the year in 2021 following the £36.4m redevelopment.
The Aberdeen Art Gallery is home to a diverse collection of artworks, ranging from traditional Scottish paintings to modern contemporary pieces.
The gallery regularly hosts exhibitions featuring the work of both local and international artists, providing visitors with the opportunity to see a wide range of artistic styles and techniques.
5 reasons you should visit Aberdeen Art Gallery
- The gallery is located in the heart of Aberdeen and is free to visit, making it easily accessible and convenient for you to spend time there.
- The gallery is a popular cultural destination for both locals and tourists, offering a unique experience for all who visit.
- Visiting the Aberdeen Art Gallery is a great way to spend an afternoon exploring the city's rich cultural heritage and supporting the local art community. It's a lot of fun. Long gone are the stuffy days of "No Cameras" and "Keep Quiet!"
- One of the standout features of the Aberdeen Art Gallery is its impressive architecture. The building itself is a work of art and grand design. The interior of the gallery is equally impressive, with high ceilings, ornate plasterwork, and marble floors.
- Visitors to the Aberdeen Art Gallery are able to explore the various galleries and exhibitions at their leisure. There is also the option to take a guided tour led by the gallery's knowledgeable and friendly staff members.
Temporary exhibitions are a reason to visit regularly
In addition to its permanent collection, the gallery also hosts a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions are an excellent way to see a diverse range of art and provide a chance for visitors to experience something new and exciting every time they visit.
One of the highlights of the temporary exhibitions program is the annual open submission show, which invites artists from all over Scotland to submit their work for consideration. This show is a great opportunity for emerging artists to showcase their talent and get their work seen by a wider audience.
Aberdeen Art Gallery tours and educational visits
In addition to its art collection and exhibitions, Aberdeen Art Gallery also offers a range of educational and community programs. These include artist talks, workshops, and school holiday activities, as well as special events and talks. These programs provide a great opportunity for visitors of all ages to learn more about the world of art and get involved in the cultural life of the city.
Overall, Aberdeen Art Gallery is an essential destination for anyone interested in art and culture. Its stunning architecture, impressive collection, and engaging program of exhibitions and events make it a must-visit for tourists and locals alike. So next time you're in Aberdeen, be sure to pay a visit to this wonderful cultural institution.
Upcoming events at Aberdeen Art Gallery
Aberdeen podcasts - your local listen
Podcasts are a fantastic way of hearing the voices, stories, and opinions of people around the world. But hearing from your own community can be just as inspiring. Whether it's the record store, foodie, football fans or creatives in your area, you'll soon discover something new and inspiring amongst these Aberdeen podcasts.
In order to make it easier to find these local sounds, we've compiled a list of podcasts from Aberdeen presenters. All of these Aberdeen podcasts can be found by searching in your favourite podcast player or even by playing right here on this page.
If you publish a local podcast that we've missed, there is a link at the bottom of the page where you can let us know all about it so we can add yours.
Creative Me Podcast
Running for over 5 years, Creative Me Podcast is a show about art, culture, and all the other kinds of creativity happening in North Eastern Scotland. In each episode of the podcast, Ica Headlam talks with an individual or group about how their creative practice is influenced and inspired. In addition, Ica discusses what they hope to achieve through their work.
Harbour Voices
Harbour Voices presents a series of true stories that highlight people's lives and livelihoods in Aberdeen's harbour areas. Every bite-sized episode features the host talking to a guest about what Aberdeen harbour and its communities mean to them. This podcast is a fascinating insight into people's lives.
Four Idle Hands
Four Idle hands features regular interviews with big names that include Public Service Broadcasting, Twilight Sad, Little Kicks, Capollos, Kraftwerk, and many more. Hosts Terry and Michael blether about their favourite albums of the week, local gigs and festivals, and even what's happening in the news.
Dishing' It
Listeners to Dishing' It will find plenty of inspiration for the best places to eat, drink, stay, and explore in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and beyond with Dishin' It. Colin - The Food Hoover - gets up close and personal with businesses, writers, and content creators to discuss all things food.
Gather Round Podcast
Gather Round Podcast shares stories from Aberdeen Archives, Gallery, and Museums. Each month, they interview members of the team about the collection, special exhibitions, and local history. Even when they are dark and dramatic, the stories are always entertaining and informative.
The ABZ Football Podcast
The ABZ Football Podcast is a weekly deep-dive into all things Aberdeen FC. It features reviews of the weekend's games and previews of first-team and women’s team fixtures in the week ahead. Expect a heady mix of exclusive interviews, content, watch-alongs and much more.
Aberdeen Vinyl Records Podcast
Aberdeen Vinyl Records Podcast is for everyone who shares their passion for music and vinyl records. Each episode has a guest from the music or entertainment business who has stories to tell about their love of music and records. The plan is to have a bit of a laugh and chat about music and records.
ADHD as Females
ADHD As Females is presented by two women who are ADHD AF! Neurodivergent neighbours, Dawn and Laura, both at different stages in the diagnosis process, get their heads around what’s been going on in their heads undetected. With cameos from special guests in each episode, the presenters dive into another aspect of ADHD.
Get in touch
We hope you find a new regular podcast to subscribe to from this selection. Podcasts are quickly becoming an unmissable piece of the city's cultural scene. We'd like to keep this list of Aberdeen podcasts current, so if you have a favourite local listen that isn't here, please let us know by following the Share with POST link below. We're always keen to hear something new.
Dreaming of a Green and Granite Mile
Union Street pedestrianisation feels like an endless battle. Some people think it is the only way forward for our city centre, while others think it would be the death knell of the Granite Mile. The team here at POST would love to see a green and granite mile.
Councillors have been using it as a political football. Either screaming that it would disadvantage the elderly or people with disabilities or claiming that they did everything in their power to get it done (but waited until the last few days before they were voted out of power).
So why do we think it needs to happen?
Stop fighting against progress
The high street is dying. It’s happening all across the UK, not just in Aberdeen. People are choosing to shop in shopping centres or online. Nobody is at fault for this. People just have busy lives and convenience will almost always win.
That battle is lost, so let's stop fighting against it. What do we do instead? We create spaces for people.
In Aberdeen, we have an opportunity to change the city centre from a four-lane road into a street-level, urban park. A green and granite mile. Somewhere that people can meet before heading off shopping. Somewhere to stop and listen to buskers while grabbing a coffee and lunch from a food truck, bar or café
A green and granite space that would link up with the refurbished Union Terrace Gardens and give us a city centre that we can all be proud of. Some have spoken of putting a roof over the top to keep the weather at bay. Why the hell not? Add into that good environmentally friendly lighting so the fun doesn’t stop at sunset.
We need to stop chasing big chains and start supporting and encouraging our many exciting local small businesses to take the next step into the high street. There are so many here in the city that feels locked out right now.
A space for people - the green and granite mile
But if we build a proper space for people, a space where people actually want to visit, then the business will return to fill the void that is there now. Because why wouldn’t they want a piece of that action?
And yes, we do need to make this new space inclusive. People should have as much access to a pedestrianised Union Street as they do any park in the city. Nearby bus stops and accessible pathways are extremely important.
While we’re at it, let's build a proper cycle network around the city so people can get into town cleanly and safely. And maybe change one of those car parks into a safe and secure bike park?
We just need some imagination courage and determination to make the change…or we’ll be sitting reading another tweet storm like this in ten years and pointing fingers about who’s to blame for yet another dead city centre street. It doesn’t need to be like this.
Let's push to make Aberdeen amazing, and stop using our energy to find reasons to sit on our hands and do nothing. Let's build the green and granite mile.
This post was originally a Twitter thread that, let's be honest, got too long and cumbersome.
Update: 21 Nov 2022
Since we posted this, we saw this fantastic TED Talk from Amanda Burden about how public spaces make cities work. Amanda is talking about New York, but her theory feels relevant to what we wrote.
New Deeside Way street art encourages active travel
If you use the Deeside Way from Duthie Park regularly, you'll see a new colourful mural by KMG.
Aberdeen Cycle Forum commissioned the artwork to celebrate those who use the Deeside Way and to encourage others to get on their bike. It celebrates the Deeside Way's shared-use nature and encourages people to exercise more.
Sustrans' ArtRoots fund supported Aberdeen Cycle Forum in painting the wall below Great Southern Road, near Duthie Park. It'll be seen by many on this well-used section of the Deeside Way. Artist KMG created the design and has been painting on site this week to bring it to life.
Aberdeen Cycle Forum are a local voluntary organisation who campaign for the benefit of cyclists and active travel within the city. A major goal of the forum is to promote bicycle use as a viable and sustainable option for transport. They work with other organisations to improve cycle facilities and to raise awareness of issues affecting cyclists.
KMG has produced many street art works around the city, including two huge murals for Nuart Aberdeen. Last year she painted her much loved character Ken on the side of Union Square.
Deeside Way works best if everyone respects the needs of everyone else
Rachel Martin from Aberdeen Cycle Forum said, “Deeside Way is a much-loved, much-valued, and much-used piece of infrastructure in our city and we wanted to celebrate cycling and active travel while also encouraging tolerance and respect among all the different types of users. A shared-use space like Deeside Way works best if everyone respects the needs of everyone else.
"We hope KMG’s fabulous design will make people smile and inspire them to be physically active by whatever means works for them whether it be walking, cycling, wheeling, running, or scootering.”
An animal-themed design displays a family cycling alongside a dog walker and someone using a wheelchair. The family of cyclists are portrayed as leopards, a nod to Aberdeen’s history and coat of arms, while a gull and blackbird overhead provide another north-east reference.
So next time you're cycling or walking along the Deeside Way, be sure to look out for the colourful new addition!