Chairpersons Report
Chairperson's Report for Contemporary Arts Dunfermline (CAD)
Since the setting up of CAD in May last year we have certainly shown to the community that Contemporary ART has been a missing link in the town. In the early days following the opening of the 'CAD Centre of Art' in the Kingsgate Shopping Mall, there was a rather hesitant response from passers-by. Fortunately due to advertising and word of mouth, there was a marked increase in public appreciation to what CAD had to offer. Responding also to the welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to engage with the different artists, the public began to relate to CAD as a welcome addition to their community and, in particular, the Kingsgate Centre. CAD saw numbers rise into the hundreds a day as visitors to Dunfermline from a wide catchment area, UK and indeed overseas, were dropping in to see what CAD was all about. Many are now regular visitors. At the same time, artists and art followers from a wide catchment area had been quick to appreciate the openness of the Centre and the potential for enhancing Dunfermline's approach to art. It is particularly satisfying to observe our artists engaging with the public and discussing art and creative subjects.
In wishing to keep the momentum going we have, in a relatively short time, introduced many genres of art to Dunfermline. In demonstrating CAD's innovative approach to bringing art to the community, CAD introduced an 'Open Mic' attraction with equipment supplied by Kenny’s Music for free. This facility was not only available to the public but also to known and accomplished musicians. Indeed, CAD is delighted to have welcomed wonderful talented musicians such as Anna Macdonald, Steamer Lane and many other bands and soloists wanting to perform on the 'Open Mic' facility. In addition, CAD arranged for a large band to perform on a stage in the main centre of the Kingsgate, playing to the public. Also, in wishing to maintain our energetic and creative approach to art, we have introduced dancers, poets, harpists, writers, storytellers all of whom have been delighted to perform at the CAD Centre to show-case their talents. In keeping with CAD's innovative approach and energy, we are particularly pleased to have introduced the ARTYARD. This is a facility to enable artists/performers and, more importantly, the public of all ages, to discover their own creativity. To this end, the ARTYARD provides the many materials for all to use in this successful project. We have had many enquiries from various groups (some of which are from Fife Council) seeking to use the ARTYARD for therapy purposes. In addition, Special Needs groups have also utilised our ARTYARD facility.
We have successfully collaborated in community projects out-with the Kingsgate. These have included Easter projects and Christmas projects. Both projects involved the setting up of mobile art marquees to encourage and enable children and indeed adults to come along and be creative, and certainly to enjoy the events. These projects were indeed triumphant and especially rewarding to us in that we could provide the service professionally. Significantly, CAD has worked with Red Field Arts on a major project funded by Historic Scotland. This involved producing and coordinating the many pieces of art that were to be incorporated, thus enhancing this wonderful project. Working to bolster a small budget, the ever resourceful artists of CAD set to work on the project. In recognizing the importance of recycling, the artists sourced many waste products from local retail outlets. Applying their creative skills, the artists produced many new pieces of artwork and installations some of which impressed a local historic place of interest so much so a purchase was made to keep some items. This was also a community project. Many Dunfermline organisations were involved in the PR of this project entitled ’Another Land’. A most enjoyable and productive challenge that was well received by the community.
Although fortunate to have been given the opportunity to bring an invaluable service to the community, we have not been complacent. Successfully working together as a team, CAD members have designed user-friendly spaces within the allocated three units. This has enabled artists and indeed members of the public to showcase many and varied works of art. Productive, reliable and friendly, CAD artists are also excellent team members whose passion for their work is used to engage the public, whether casual passer-by or individuals with an interest in creativity. The year 2011 saw CAD accomplish Charitable Status. This will be of enormous help to CAD and its mission to be a major provider of creativity to the town in the future as well as now.
We have been fortunate to be given budgets from Fife Council and BIDS (Dunfermline Delivers) in 2010 and 2011 These budgets are carefully accounted by Dr Gordon Johnston (CAD Treasurer) who presents the accounts to the CAD Committee. It should be noted, however, that in keeping with our Constitution (to provide a service to the community), and in wishing to continue to provide our creative and invaluable service, another function of CAD is to continually seek funding.
CAD as a charitable organisation is delighted to have been given the opportunity to work with local businesses i.e. Kingsgate in order to continue giving Dunfermline the Centre for Art that it deserves. In striving to maintain our fine quality of service to the community CAD also seeks to encourage recognition by Scottish agencies and, in so doing, looks forward to growth and development in the organisation. Art and creativity are a part of all of us, regardless of age. It is with that in mind that we hope to continue to provide a significant and relevant contribution to the fabric of the community. Long may CAD continue to be a major creative attraction and Education Centre for Dunfermline.
A great supported year by every CAD member,artist and member of the public. One that should be seen as the best result we could possibly have hoped for.
Lainy Allison
Chairperson
By means of the public response please read the comments book in the unit which to me, I hope, represents the publics opinion on CAD. Please take note of the comment 'I hope it is permanent'....This I think, says it all...
Since the setting up of CAD in May last year we have certainly shown to the community that Contemporary ART has been a missing link in the town. In the early days following the opening of the 'CAD Centre of Art' in the Kingsgate Shopping Mall, there was a rather hesitant response from passers-by. Fortunately due to advertising and word of mouth, there was a marked increase in public appreciation to what CAD had to offer. Responding also to the welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to engage with the different artists, the public began to relate to CAD as a welcome addition to their community and, in particular, the Kingsgate Centre. CAD saw numbers rise into the hundreds a day as visitors to Dunfermline from a wide catchment area, UK and indeed overseas, were dropping in to see what CAD was all about. Many are now regular visitors. At the same time, artists and art followers from a wide catchment area had been quick to appreciate the openness of the Centre and the potential for enhancing Dunfermline's approach to art. It is particularly satisfying to observe our artists engaging with the public and discussing art and creative subjects.
In wishing to keep the momentum going we have, in a relatively short time, introduced many genres of art to Dunfermline. In demonstrating CAD's innovative approach to bringing art to the community, CAD introduced an 'Open Mic' attraction with equipment supplied by Kenny’s Music for free. This facility was not only available to the public but also to known and accomplished musicians. Indeed, CAD is delighted to have welcomed wonderful talented musicians such as Anna Macdonald, Steamer Lane and many other bands and soloists wanting to perform on the 'Open Mic' facility. In addition, CAD arranged for a large band to perform on a stage in the main centre of the Kingsgate, playing to the public. Also, in wishing to maintain our energetic and creative approach to art, we have introduced dancers, poets, harpists, writers, storytellers all of whom have been delighted to perform at the CAD Centre to show-case their talents. In keeping with CAD's innovative approach and energy, we are particularly pleased to have introduced the ARTYARD. This is a facility to enable artists/performers and, more importantly, the public of all ages, to discover their own creativity. To this end, the ARTYARD provides the many materials for all to use in this successful project. We have had many enquiries from various groups (some of which are from Fife Council) seeking to use the ARTYARD for therapy purposes. In addition, Special Needs groups have also utilised our ARTYARD facility.
We have successfully collaborated in community projects out-with the Kingsgate. These have included Easter projects and Christmas projects. Both projects involved the setting up of mobile art marquees to encourage and enable children and indeed adults to come along and be creative, and certainly to enjoy the events. These projects were indeed triumphant and especially rewarding to us in that we could provide the service professionally. Significantly, CAD has worked with Red Field Arts on a major project funded by Historic Scotland. This involved producing and coordinating the many pieces of art that were to be incorporated, thus enhancing this wonderful project. Working to bolster a small budget, the ever resourceful artists of CAD set to work on the project. In recognizing the importance of recycling, the artists sourced many waste products from local retail outlets. Applying their creative skills, the artists produced many new pieces of artwork and installations some of which impressed a local historic place of interest so much so a purchase was made to keep some items. This was also a community project. Many Dunfermline organisations were involved in the PR of this project entitled ’Another Land’. A most enjoyable and productive challenge that was well received by the community.
Although fortunate to have been given the opportunity to bring an invaluable service to the community, we have not been complacent. Successfully working together as a team, CAD members have designed user-friendly spaces within the allocated three units. This has enabled artists and indeed members of the public to showcase many and varied works of art. Productive, reliable and friendly, CAD artists are also excellent team members whose passion for their work is used to engage the public, whether casual passer-by or individuals with an interest in creativity. The year 2011 saw CAD accomplish Charitable Status. This will be of enormous help to CAD and its mission to be a major provider of creativity to the town in the future as well as now.
We have been fortunate to be given budgets from Fife Council and BIDS (Dunfermline Delivers) in 2010 and 2011 These budgets are carefully accounted by Dr Gordon Johnston (CAD Treasurer) who presents the accounts to the CAD Committee. It should be noted, however, that in keeping with our Constitution (to provide a service to the community), and in wishing to continue to provide our creative and invaluable service, another function of CAD is to continually seek funding.
CAD as a charitable organisation is delighted to have been given the opportunity to work with local businesses i.e. Kingsgate in order to continue giving Dunfermline the Centre for Art that it deserves. In striving to maintain our fine quality of service to the community CAD also seeks to encourage recognition by Scottish agencies and, in so doing, looks forward to growth and development in the organisation. Art and creativity are a part of all of us, regardless of age. It is with that in mind that we hope to continue to provide a significant and relevant contribution to the fabric of the community. Long may CAD continue to be a major creative attraction and Education Centre for Dunfermline.
A great supported year by every CAD member,artist and member of the public. One that should be seen as the best result we could possibly have hoped for.
Lainy Allison
Chairperson
By means of the public response please read the comments book in the unit which to me, I hope, represents the publics opinion on CAD. Please take note of the comment 'I hope it is permanent'....This I think, says it all...