Arts / Arts organisation agrees to buy old kirk as it turns focus back to Burra
A LOCAL arts organisation is now looking to renovate and develop its existing premises instead of finding a site for a new build in Scalloway.
Gaada has agreed to purchase the old Methodist kirk in Bridge End, which it currently uses as a visual art workshop.
Director and co-founder Daniel Clark said the plan is to develop this into an “accessible and ambitious neurodiverse making space”.
In 2021 Gaada sought help in finding a site for new premises in nearby Scalloway as it looked to expand.
But it is now instead focusing on its existing premises in Burra after overcoming some of the hurdles the ex-church presented.
“Over the past year we have solved many of the issues, such as including poor transport connections and accommodation for visiting artists, that were causing us to consider relocating to Scalloway,” Clark said.
“A lot of the solutions have come about through the better utilisation of existing local enterprises, like the Burra Tronda Minibus Association and the Bridge End Outdoor Centre.”
Architecture collective Assemble was recently in Shetland to work through the initial phase of redeveloping the Burra building.
Gaada has independently raised the full purchase cost for the chapel through sale of local artist editions, workshops, design commissions and providing artist talks to other UK organisations about its experience running a rural art organisation.
Clark said the redevelopment has also won the support of national funders like Creative Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and also Inspiring Scotland.
“HIE has also match-funded Gaada through their Young Business Capital Investment Fund for an interior upgrade to the Toogs Artist Workshop which will make the space better equipped and more functional in the short term, whilst we continue the long term capital development work,” Clark added.
“We are aiming to relaunch the new improved workshop in time for Gaada’s fifth birthday which will take place in May 2023.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
