M:ADE

The speaker at this week’s meeting was Stacey Toner from M:ADE, Moray Arts Development Engagement which is an arts and cultural charity founded in 2018 and which has community engagement at its core and a determination to bring the arts and those involved in them together.

In its initial years the organisation tried out various initiatives using art in campaigns such as puppy farming and in supporting men’s mental health.

From 2021 onwards the various arts partners have been involved in strong collaborations that support local artists while being driven by community needs. In addition, there has been a focus on ongoing research and strategic projects.

Examples discussed included: levelling-up projects; arts in Moray as part of the Cultural Collective initiatives post Covid; Cuppa and Chat days for those in the creative industries; work with the Criminal Justice Team in Nairn to provide positive interventions for younger people; the Leanchoil Project; and not least, the Gordon Arms Project which aims to develop the building in supporting arts and heritage.

In conclusion, Stacey identified that M:ADE had made very positive steps in taking culture forward and connecting with the arts community and the wider community at large.