Venue Profile: Àrainn Shuaineirt

6 Sep 2008 in Highland

ÀRAINN SHUAINEIRT – THE SUNART CENTRE in Strontian

Director’s Statement: Eoghan Carmichael

ÀRAINN SHUAINEIRT or the Sunart Centre was opened in 2002 as one of The Highland Council’s new Community Schools. The centre is managed by a voluntary management committee, and we aim to involve our whole community in events and in programming, and to provide such a varied programme that everyone will want to come to see and experience something. Our aim is to bring the very best in the performing arts to this remote corner of the west of Scotland, steeped in history, and with strong Gaelic and musical traditions but until recently with no venue to showcase local and international talent.

Eoghan Carmichael responds to our questions

NORTHINGS: When was the venue established?

Eoghan: We opened in October 2002, as a shared resource with Ardnamurchan High School in Strontian, one of The Highland Council’s new PPP “Community Schools”.

NORTHINGS: What famous names have taken to the stage?

EOGHAN: We’ve had many who are well known in the traditional music scene; Capercaillie, Cliar, Altan, Wolfstone, Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham, Daimh, Battlefield Band etc.. Also solo performers such as Michael Marra, Anne Lorne Gillies, Dougie MacLean, Robin Williamson and John Renbourn. We try to vary our programme with the likes of Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers, some jazz (Tommy Smith), Tibetan monks, whatever. We have theatre, Scottish Opera, Mull Theatre, Scottish Dance Theatre and many others. Our annual Book Festival in November has attracted the like of Iain Banks and Liz Lochhead, and we have had comedy with Ross Noble, Lee Mack and Boothby Graffoe.

NORTHINGS: What are your big ideas for the future of the venue?

EOGHAN: We are developing a greater variety of performances, bringing in more education and outreach opportunities, focusing on local Gaelic and musical traditions and the local environment.

NORTHINGS: Does the venue have a ghost?

EOGHAN: We’re still a bit new for that, but it would be nice to think that Tommy, our much loved and sadly missed Janitor, keeps an eye on us.

NORTHINGS: What was your worst disaster as director?

EOGHAN: We’ve been lucky and avoided disasters as a rule, just work around unexpected occurrences such as the stage lights blowing on our opening gig and having to resort to standard lamps on stage. A well known company set fire to our stage curtains once, which was a close call.

NORTHINGS: And what was your biggest triumph?

EOGHAN: We’ve had so many good nights now, it would be difficult to single out one in particular. Having the Sunart Centre becoming a sought after venue by performers who are always keen to play here, and the enthusiasm of our audiences establishing us as viable centre for the arts, brings us great satisfaction.

NORTHINGS: If you could have any artist in the world for a one-off special, who would it be, and why?

EOGHAN: There are so many, but it would have to be The Rolling Stones. Just because…

NORTHINGS: Why should people look forward to visiting your venue?

EOGHAN: This is a wonderful, well managed venue, promoting top quality performances in a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by stunning scenery, with plenty to do and see in the surrounding area – an ideal spot for a relaxing weekend away.