An Lanntair is to reopen to the public on Tuesday 13 April with the first ever Scottish show by Lumen, an astronomy-inspired artist collective based in London, and a showcase exhibition of this year’s Hebridean Dark Skies Photography Competition winners. The exhibition explores the philosophical and ecological importance of a clear view of our galaxy and includes multimedia installations that combine views of the stars together in immersive films, taking visitors spinning through space.
Following Scottish Government’s announcement that the Western Isles has been designated at COVID Protection Level 3, An Lanntair is delighted to announce that the venue can reopen. From Tuesday 13 April, the galleries, shop and café bar will be open, welcoming our local community and visitors back. Opening hours will be 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday until late May, when it is expected the cinema and events programme can also restart and evening service in the café bar can begin. Look out for a fabulous series of outdoor gigs on An Lanntair’s forecourt throughout this summer!
An Lanntair CEO Elly Fletcher said: “It feels so good to be putting plans in motion now for reopening An Lanntair’s venue to the public and restarting our exhibition and events programmes. Our team has been busy throughout lockdown running a brilliant online programme of workshops and clubs for some of our most isolated communities, including young people and older adults. And now, we can’t wait to welcome people back in real life!”
Lumen are a London-based art collective brought together by a shared interest in themes of astronomy and light. Launched in December 2014 by artists Louise Beer, Melanie King and Rebecca Huxley, they have curated or co-curated over 70 exhibitions and been commissioned to create work by the British Science Association and the Green Man Festival. They have also hosted residencies in Cornwall and Atina, Italy.
Lumen said: “We are extremely excited about exhibiting for the first time within Scotland and viewing the night sky within the beautiful landscape of Stornoway. This exhibition is a collection of works that explore the philosophical and ecological importance of a clear view of our galaxy by Lumen directors, Louise Beer, Rebecca Huxley and Melanie King. Lumen will also exhibit Our Night Skies for the first time, a video composite of time-lapses of the night sky, showcasing artists from all over the globe. By combining the views of the stars together in one video, visitors to the exhibition will get a feeling of the Earth spinning through space from a range of vantage points.”
An Lanntair is supported by and funded through Regular Funding from Creative Scotland, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Point and Sandwick Trust. Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland on behalf of everyone who lives, works or visits here. They distribute funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Further information at creativescotland.com. Follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
The Hebridean Dark Skies Festival is supported by Caledonian MacBrayne as well as Outer Hebrides LEADER, and was presented in partnership with Stornoway Astronomical Society, Calanais Visitor Centre, Gallan Head Community Trust, and Lews Castle College UHI.
CORONAVIRUS
An Lanntair has put in place stringent systems to help mitigate risks from COVID-19 in its building and across its activities to keep staff and the public safe.