Call for Public to Take Part in Renewable Energy Arts Workshop

The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS) is calling on local residents to get creative with their environment through an arts workshop taking place in Cromarty next month.

Forming part of RCAHMS keystone centenary project ‘Treasured Places’, the workshop will use the archive collections of RCAHMS to look at the history and development of power and energy, with particular reference to ‘Renewable Energy’ in the Highlands. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the impact that such schemes have had on the local communities in the past, examine the current situation and look towards the future.

Working with Jane McInally, a professional filmmaker and animator, and a group of subject specialists from the Commission, participants will then be able to try their hand at basic animation and editing techniques, turning their investigations into short film sequences. These will then be further edited to form a video DVD. This free three day workshop will run from Tuesday to Thursday the 12th, 13th & 14th of February from 10-4pm, venue yet to be confirmed.
Jane Gilchrist, Treasured Places education officer said: ‘By taking part in this fun and interactive workshop, participants will have a wonderful opportunity to work with a dynamic and exciting team of specialists. It will also give them the chance to work with other people from the local community and express their views to a wider audience. The workshop will allow participants to work with original archive material, learn more about an interesting and topical subject whilst developing skills in film animation and editing, further exploring their individual creativity’

The resulting piece of unique film footage will be incorporated into the ‘Treasured Places’ touring exhibition, which will visit ten venues throughout Scotland between August 2008 and May 2009.

The invitation to participate in this free workshop is open to members of the public of all ages and absolutely no experience or knowledge is required. For more information on taking part and to book your place, please contact Leanne McCormick, Treasured Places Communications Officer, on 0131 662 1456 or leanne.mccormick@rcahms.gov.uk .