An exhibition of sketches by island residents during lockdown will re-open the main gallery at the multi-arts venue An Lanntair which welcomes back visitors next month.
The Stornoway centre will take the first step of a phased re-opening on August 17. The ground-floor main gallery and gift shop will be open to the public between 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday.
An Lanntair chief executive Elly Fletcher said: “We have been chomping at the bit to get going and the whole team is incredibly excited to welcome our community and visitors back to An Lanntair.
“We have been working hard behind the scenes to put in place safety and hygiene measures to help our staff and the public to socially distance and stay safe, whilst importantly enjoying everything that An Lanntair has on offer. We can’t wait to open the doors and invite everyone in.”
In line with Covid-19 guidance, screens have been installed at the reception desk, a limited number will be allowed in the building at one time, social distancing will be observed and a one-way system will operate.
The first exhibition is the result of An Lanntair’s creative challenge Sketchbook Project. During lockdown more than 100 people were sent a sketchbook and daily challenges, which produced a display of more than 3,000 images.
Joe Mahony, An Lanntair’s head of education and outreach, said: “Those participating could respond in any way they wished. Some people emailed their responses as the project progressed which were then displayed on our artists support website HA! Hebridean Artists, and that gave a real communal feel to the project.”
One of those taking part in the project said: “The sketchbook project couldn’t have landed on my desk at a better time. Lockdown is challenging for everyone and as a newly widowed parent I have felt like I’m constantly swimming against the tide, so this project gave me something to focus on daily.”
Another said: “This project got me drawing for the first time since leaving school decades ago.”
The centre’s café and shop closed in March due to the pandemic and the charity’s trading subsidiary later went into liquidation.
An Lanntair will run the shop and arts programme as part of the charity’s work. Phase two of re-opening is expected to start in mid-September, including the cinema, while it is hoped to establish a partnership with a third party to help run the café bar.
