An Lanntair has secured significant new funding from The National Lottery Young Start fund, supporting an expanded programme of youth arts activity for children and young people across Lewis and Harris.
A £93,392 grant from The National Lottery Young Start fund will support a three-year programme of Youth Arts Projects, providing young people aged 12–25 with opportunities to develop their creative practice, access training, gain real-world experience, and share their work publicly.
The programme will support young artists across all art forms, helping to build confidence, wellbeing, and stronger connections with their communities, while offering pathways for creative and professional development. It will build on existing work at An Lanntair, embedding successful pilot projects and creating flexible routes into further training and accreditation.
Youth Arts Projects will include Clàr digital arts projects delivered in blocks throughout the year, weekly Art Labs, new equipment for An Lanntair’s digital arts Project Space, Art Studio groups, a Theatre Summer School, specialist workshops with practicing artists, and a Creative Dance Company in partnership with YDance. Opportunities will also include a Dance Leadership Award, Arts Award accreditation, and performance opportunities both on the island and at mainland events.
Moira Macdonald, Education and Outreach Projects Manager at An Lanntair, said: “We are delighted that the quality and ambition of An Lanntair’s education opportunities have been recognised by these national funding bodies. The new projects build on our existing work and represent a huge range of inspiring opportunities for children and young people. For some emerging young artists, they will provide catalysts to explore careers in the arts.”
This funding award represents a major step forward in expanding access to high-quality creative opportunities for young people in Lewis and Harris, ensuring that more individuals can engage with, develop, and thrive through the arts.
