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Our Projects


This page gives a very brief outline of everything we are involved with at any given time; it ranges from research to collaborations to one-off initiatives.​  Although activity might look disconnected, everything we do have some key things in common - creativity, people and place.  You might also see that almost all of our work is carried out in partnership, with statutory services, organisations and/or lead artists.  This is important for us, we want our work to be varied in nature, pulling on expertise and skillsets across sectors.  â€‹If you would like to work with us please just get in touch and we can chat over what that might look like...we don't have funding to kick-start new initiatives but we are open to finding support if there is a clear need or opportunity to engage local communities.

Arts in Moray (AIM) Collective

M:ADE are one of four partners (DanceNorth Scotland, Moray Way Association & Wildbird) that make up the AIM Collective.  We are in our third phase of funding through the national Culture Collective progamme, and as part of this we are delivering two projects. 'I wish somebody told me...' with visual artists Lynda Buchan, Kiara Mackenzie and Jen Upson, which explores womanhood through conversation and practical workshops. And monthly 'Cuppa & Chat' days with Caroline Inckle and Stacey Toner, which provides a space for local creatives to get advice and/or share their work and ideas. We have a number of podcasts that explore AIM and these projects stored on our Soundcloud.

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MADE for Early Year Creatives

Over 2024/2025, MADE is supporting it's third cohort of early year creatives.  Year 1 and 2 focused on graduates but we have adapted the programme to meet the needs of the sector; the reality is, there are individuals looking to build a business or an arts/creative offering inspired out with formal education.  The programme aims to build a strong peer network across art-forms and experience, whilst increasing confidence and capacity to forward plan through group workshops and 1-1 tailored development opportunities.  Funded through Creative Scotland Open Fund.

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The Creativity Skills Network

In 2024, MADE began working with the Local Employability Partnership (LEP).  Our contract is to trial the potential of a 'Creativity Skills Network' for Moray, which looks to bridge a gap between those seeking work, training or further study with their creative interests and potential.  This might be 1-1 sessions with an artist to increase digital literacy or establish a portfolio for college, to group workshops that support working in new dynamics and meeting new people.  We are able to provide work for freelance artists whilst making creative activity more accessible for those working with the Employability Team at Moray Council and the wider LEP.

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Creativity in/through Justice

In partnership with WildBird, we have teamed up with the Justice Social Work Team at Moray Council to provide creativity based provision for those that are supported by their service.  â€‹Through photography, music and film making, both men's and women's groups have had access to regular weekly sessions at the Polytunnel within the Chanonry Industrial Estate.  From building new skills to meeting new folk and gaining confidence, individuals have been engaged within and through the work to next steps including formal education and developing their own arts practice.   Funded historically by the NHS Community Grants Fund, Youth Arts Grant distributed by Youthlink Scotland. & the Arts and Prosperity Fund.  â€‹A peek into this work can be seen on Vimeo.

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The Gordon Arms Redevelopment

Since 2020 MADE has had ambitions to develop a creative community space in Elgin.  Somewhere to house an art gallery, a making space and additional rooms to host other creative organisations and/or individuals.  â€‹This is now moving in the direction of becoming a reality, as we are working with others to realise this project through the Levelling Up initiative as supported by the Government.  The old Gordon Arms Hotel on Elgin High Street is the proposed site.  â€‹This building is well loved. It holds lots of history and we want to preserve that heritage as things develop.  We are doing so through ongoing community engagement supported by Historic Environment Scotland. Hear and see more on Vimeo.

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Consultancy

Earlier this year, we worked with Helen Avenell Heritage Associates on community engagement activities linked with the Forres Heritage and Conservation Scheme.  This led to MADE becoming involved in further consultancy roles, all of which aim to represent community voices in large-scale capital developments.  These projects include the redevelopment of Leanchoil Hospital in Forres and the new Museum of Aberdeenshire building in Peterhead.  Through these opportunities we continue our work with Helen, and also with Caroline Inkle and Graeme Roger.  This work feels quite invisible from a public facing point of view but it all helps MADE remain aware and active within wider strategic contexts.

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