New Cairngorms Creatives group holds first exhibition

A new creative collective in the Cairngorms National Park is hosting its first exhibition in Grantown-on-Spey next month.  

“Pledge | Process | Planet” will run at OPENSPACE Gallery in May, with public access over the two bank holiday weekends.  

It’s the first event organised by the “Cairngorms Creative Cooperative”, formed to promote co-design and collaboration with creatives in the National Park. Made up of over 90 members across a vibrant sector, the group aims to promote work opportunities, connect with other creatives, hold showcases and engage with communities as part of the Cairngorms 2030 programme.  

The exhibition aims to spark conversation and connect landscape and community, to inspire collective action on climate change. It will accompany internal workshops for group members, aimed at building skills, sharing knowledge and expertise. These will also involve creating climate pledges along the Cairngorms 2030 programme themes. 

By using creative disciplines to inspire conversations and action on climate change, it’s hoped this event will inspire a legacy beyond 2030, while building public awareness of creatives based in the National Park. 

Led by Clare Waddle local designer, maker and freelance Creative Project Manager and Tania Alloid, Learning Officer at the Cairngorms National Park Authority, this event will feature artwork that pushes boundaries and evokes thoughts and discussion on creative processes in the context of climate change, biodiversity loss, health and well-being. 

Clare Waddle said: “As a designer living and working within the National Park I was delighted to be selected as freelance lead on this exhibition. It is fantastic that the Cairngorms National Park Authority are working with the creative community. This is a unique opportunity to strengthen and develop networks and a chance for creatives to articulate their vision and response to the climate emergency. I am deeply passionate that arts and culture has the ability to act as a powerful conduit to encourage transformational environmental change.” 

The Cairngorms 2030 programme spans across 20 long-term projects, bringing about transformational change in the Cairngorms, benefitting people’s health and wellbeing, delivering on climate change and enhancing nature across the National Park. The programme is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery Players.   

David Clyne, Head of Cairngorms 2030 at the Cairngorms National Park Authority said: “It is fantastic to see the Cairngorms Creative Cooperative running their first event, providing opportunities for local creatives to share their work and engage with the community. Through art, we can connect with our culture and the world around us, celebrating dùthchas, the deep-rooted connection between people and nature.”