Plus a new director for Aberdeen Arts Centre, and Climate Week returns for a 12th year
In Brief is a new regular feature from POST, rounding up news and announcements from Aberdeen’s arts and culture scene that deserve more than a social post but don’t need a full feature treatment. It’s a format we’re introducing to make sure smaller stories get proper coverage — funding awards, appointments, venue news, programming announcements, and similar developments. Four stories this week.
Voi ebikes clock 5,000 rides in first week
Aberdeen’s new hire scheme, operated by Voi, has passed 5,000 rides since launching on 21 May, averaging 7.4 trips per bike per day across the city centre fleet of 100 bikes. A second phase is due before the end of next week, adding another 100 bikes and expanding the operating area. The Voi app is free to download; the code SCOTLAND gives 15 minutes at no charge on a first ride. The pay-as-you-go rate is £0.18 per minute, with an Aberdeen-specific tariff of £1.75 for 20 minutes. Voi already runs schemes in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
We Are Here Scotland announces Creators’ Fund+ 2026 cohort
Eight Black and Global Majority creatives based across Scotland have been selected for We Are Here Scotland’s Creators’ Fund+ 2026. The cohort, drawn from more than 200 applications, works across painting, marionette making, music, printmaking, multidisciplinary practice, composition, jewellery, and ceramics. Each will receive a support package worth £2,980, comprising direct funding, 20 hours of professional mentoring, and a year of dedicated support. The 2026 cohort is Amaal Kebabti, Maria Herbert-Liew, Miwa Nagato-Apthorp, Nkem Okwechime, Nyla Noor, Saber Bamatraf, Sonah Chaudhry, and Soorin Shin.
Holly Paterson appointed executive director of Aberdeen Arts Centre
Aberdeen Arts Centre has appointed Holly Paterson as executive director, with the organisation midway through its three-year Save Aberdeen Arts Centre fundraising campaign. She has spent eight years across two departments at Sky, working across customer experience, operations, and organisational change. She is joined by seven new trustees on the Castlegate Arts Ltd board, among them a theatre and education lecturer, an acoustic consultant, and an internationally recognised marketing strategist. The appointments follow Laura Main of Call the Midwife taking on the role of official patron in April.
Climate Week North East 2026 open for event submissions
Climate Week North East returns for its 12th year from Saturday 19 September to Sunday 4 October 2026, and organisers are inviting individuals, organisations, and community groups to host events. The programme is open to workshops, walks, beach cleans, talks, and performances. To submit an event, contact cwne@nescan.org to set up an account; they’ll send you login details for the submission portal. Anyone wanting their event included in printed materials should submit by 5pm on Monday 15 June.
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