Advancement of the Arts, Heritage, Culture or Science
From our links with the National Theatre of Scotland and the National Library of Wales to our very own ScottishPower Pipe Band, the ScottishPower Foundation 2014 arts, heritage, culture and science projects are certainly varied. Read about each initiative below, and don’t forget to learn about our ongoing ScottishPower Foundation 2015 arts, heritage, culture and science projects too.
ScottishPower Pipe Band
The ScottishPower Pipe Band is one of the world’s leading grade 1 pipe bands having featured as a regular prize-winner in all major competitions over several decades. Twice Cowal Champions, Scottish Champions, All-Ireland Champions and runners-up in the World Championships are just some of their awards. Great ambassadors for Piping and Scotland, they are in demand throughout the world, having performed in the US, Canada, Japan and China. Currently ranked in the top 3 in the World, this funding will allow the Pipe Band to continue to play at the highest level, promoting piping and drumming throughout Scotland and further afield.
The funding will be used to replenish equipment, attend competitions and work within the community.
Activity will take place throughout 2014.
National Theatre of Scotland
National Theatre of Scotland is regarded as a world-leader in creating participatory arts activity and its award-winning education, outreach and access programmes seek to use theatre to promote cultural understanding, build confidence and transforms lives. A highlight of the National Theatre of Scotland's 2014 programme will be a major autumn tour of In Time of O’ Strife. Adapted by award-winning director Graham McLaren this is a powerful re-imagining of Joe Corrie's neglected classic about a mining community during the General Strike of the 1920's.
Funding will enable the production to tour more venues and reach audiences who otherwise would not have an opportunity to be introduced to the work of this great Scottish artist. Funding will also go towards creating the wraparound educational and community activity and related resources which will accompany the production.
The In Time O’ Strife Autumn Tour 2014 is planned for September, October and November 2014.
Edinburgh International Book Festival
The Edinburgh International Book Festival, held in Charlotte Square Gardens in Edinburgh, is one of the biggest literary festivals in the world.
Funding will support the following:
- The ScottishPower Foundation Studio Theatre
- The ScottishPower Foundation Family Day
The festival will run from 9-26th August 2014.
Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod
Llangollen International Eisteddfod, founded in 1947, is a major cultural event in Wales that features artists and choirs from many different countries and is attended by around 40,000 visitors. Children’s Day, attended by over 5000 children, is the launch of the week-long festival and in many cases it introduces, for the first time, children and young people to the very real benefits of cultural diversity as well as choral and folk art forms.
Funding will enable thousands of children to benefit from the cultural programme the festival delivers.
The event runs from 8-13 July 2014, with Children’s Day on the 8th.
National Museum of Scotland
The new galleries at National Museum of Scotland opened to great acclaim in July 2011, following a £47 million transformation. The Museum has become the first Scottish attraction to reach the Top 10 in the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) annual list, and visitor numbers more than doubled when compared to 2007, prior to redevelopment.
Funding will enable the continuation of Get Energised with the ScottishPower Foundation; raising awareness amongst young people of how science and technology shapes our everyday lives. Activities will include Challenge days, Glow Meet sessions and development of outreach learning resources for schools and groups. Building on learning from year one, young people will take part in science engagement activities and challenges in connection with significant national collections, to learn how the objects in the galleries have impacted on our lives with the aim of stimulating and motivating young people to explore these areas for themselves.
This activity will take place between August 2014 and June 2015, with core activity in March 2015.
Wigtown Book Festival
Wigtown Book Festival is an award winning 10 day literary festival based in and around Wigtown, featuring around 200 events and activities. It was set up 15 years ago to economically reinvigorate the area in Dumfries and Galloway.
Funding will support core costs, helping to deliver and develop Wigtown Book Festival and its associated activities.
The festival will take place between 26 September and 5 October 2014.
Action for Achievement
Action for Achievement is a youth charity operating primarily in Liverpool. It is aiming to deliver a new innovative performing arts project, leading to a high profile theatre production which will enable disadvantaged young people to become involved with theatre for the first time. Running for six months, young people will be able to access performing arts sessions three times per week and throughout school holidays ending with short run in the Unity Theatre.
Funding will pay for professional freelance workers, volunteers, theatre costs, venue costs and all other costs associated with the project.
The activity will take place from January to July 2014.
National Library of Wales
In 2014 The National Library of Wales is playing an integral part in the Welsh Government’s DT100 Festival; celebrating the centenary of the birth of Dylan Thomas, Wales’ most famous English language poet.
Funding will help to ensure that the planned activities and exhibitions can take place.
Activity will take place throughout the year from January - December 2014.