Top talent across North Ayrshire were given a up to a grand each to support their artistic efforts after pandemic lockdowns.

The North Ayrshire Place Partnership has announced the successful applicants to its Micro Grants Programme supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.

The micro grants of up to £1,000 aim to support creative practitioners to develop their creative practice following the impact of the pandemic on the cultural sector.

The successful applicants are:

· Alison Thomas – Irvine (Visual Art & Crafts)

· Anders Rigg and Leticia Sanchez – Garnock Valley & Glasgow (Movement, Voice and Percussion)

· Brian Craig – Irvine (Visual Arts Photography)

· Caroline Borland – Irvine (Arts & Crafts)

· Catharine Clark – North Coast & Cumbrae (Multi Arts Sculpture)

· Colin Hunter – Kilwinning (Multi Arts Music)

· Giulia Giannetti – Garnock Valley (Multi Arts Screen)

· Jim Boxall – Arran (Multi Arts Screen)

· Karen Teal – North Coast (Visual Art & Crafts)

· Kelly Espendola – Irvine (Leather Crafts)

· Mandy Edwards – North Coast (Visual Art)

· Matthew Donnelly – Garnock Valley (Glass Visual Art)

· Steph Davidson – Ardrossan (Fashion & Textiles)

· Sita Pieraccini – Kilwinning (Multi Arts)

The micro grants awardees were chosen by an independent selection panel who prioritised applications that addressed the following criteria: Supporting artists to sustain their practice following the impact of Covid-19; Support small scale projects to test out ideas and foster new relationships within the community; and support professional development for creative practitioners

Cllr Louise McPhater, Cabinet Member for Participatory Democracy said: “After what we know has been a really difficult time for the creative industry in North Ayrshire, we are absolutely delighted to be able to offer support to our creative community via the Micro Grants Programme.

“The applications for the programme really highlighted to us the wealth of artistic talent right on our doorstep and during a time when so many of us have needed to be uplifted, the artwork and crafts being created by this diverse group of creative practitioners is offering the perfect antidote to beat the blues of the pandemic after such a challenging year for us all.”

“This is a great opportunity for creative practitioners in the area and we’re really excited to promote this talented group of North Ayrshire artists and put their creative prowess on the map.”

The North Ayrshire Place Partnership is a strategic partnership between North Ayrshire Council and Creative Scotland, and is funded by The National Lottery, through Creative Scotland’s Place Partnership Programme, and North Ayrshire Council.

Jenny Tipton, Place, Partnerships & Communities Officer at Creative Scotland said: “It’s exciting to be at the stage where we are able to support local creative projects and artists through the Place Partnership with North Ayrshire Council, particularly given the impact Covid-19 has had on artist opportunities across Scotland.

“We look forward to seeing each of these projects develop and engage with the local North Ayrshire community, and plan to keep in touch with each artist as their work progresses.”

For more information about Creative Scotland visit their website at creativescotland.com and follow them on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

If you have any questions regarding your application or if you would like more information, please email naplacepartnership@north-ayrshire.gov.uk