About Us
A’ the Airts contributes to the social, economic and cultural well-being of the communities of Upper Nithsdale by actively encouraging participation in a range of arts, crafts and related activities.
History
In 2000 some Sanquhar residents had the vision of turning a run-down building in the High Street into an arts, crafts and cultural centre, to help with the regeneration of the area. Local consultation showed considerable support for the idea.
After a lot of hard work and considerable commitment, funding was acquired to purchase the site and building work commenced, but stalled in 2008 when some anticipated funding was lost. In the meantime, a group called “Friends of A’ the Airts” was set up to organise cultural activities in Upper Nithsdale.
With support from the Big Lottery and the Scottish Government among others, building started again in April 2010, and the centre was finally completed in November 2010. We had a fantastic opening day on 20th November 2010 – with over 500 people through the doors.
An official opening followed on 2nd December, when local solicitor Kenneth McLean unveiled a plaque and thanked our many supporters.
Since then we have had a varied programme of events including music, drama and poetry. The café and the shop are thriving, we are building partnerships with other local and non-local organisations and there is increasing interest in the centre as a base for a wide variety of arts, crafts and cultural activities.
To date, our project has continued to receive support and funding from the Big Lottery Growing Community Assets Fund and Dumfries and Galloway Council, as well as project related funding from the Hugh Fraser Foundation, The Gannochy Trust, Sanquhar Community Council, Propel, The Robertson Trust, the Holywood Trust, Santander and Foundation Scotland.
Community Project of the Year Winner 2022
Community Project of the Year award winner A’ The Airts of Sanquhar; Megan Callaghan, Willie Waugh, Yvonne Barbour, Catreona Archibald, Hayley with Lydsey Featherstone of sponsors Croma Vigilant
PHOTO COURTESY OF DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY LIFE
The Dumfries and Galloway Life Magazine awards were held at Easterbrook Hall on the 11th of November. Local charity A’ the Airts won in the category of Community Project of the year.
There were 330 people in attendance at the event. Local businesses, performers, sportspeople and community groups from a cross Dumfries and Galloway.
Chair Willie Waugh of Upper Nithsdale Arts and Crafts Community Initiative, known as A’ the Airts was in attendance with Board member Elizabeth Griggs and Centre Manager Yvonne Barber. Willie said, we are thrilled for our Centre and for the community of Upper Nithsdale. This is a great achievement and we are grateful to the community for their ongoing support. Thank you to all our staff, volunteers, funders and Board members.
Centre manager Yvonne Barber said, I am so pleased that we won, hopefully it will encourage people to visit this beautiful area. Thank you to everyone who supports us.