Creative Scotland, the Baring Foundation and Age Scotland are delighted to announce that ‘Luminate’ has been selected as the name for Scotland’s brand new national festival that will celebrate arts, creativity and ageing.

Taking place in October 2012 the festival will showcase the arts, creativity and ageing in a diverse and large-scale celebration of older artists, performers and participants across the generations.

The festival is part of Creative Scotland’s drive to increase the numbers of older people enjoying high quality arts activities, whether as artists, performers, participants or consumers, as research has shown that older people are less likely than other groups to take part in cultural activities.

‘Luminate’ was chosen from over twenty names suggested by the general public and creative and care industry insiders following a call for submissions made by newly appointed Festival Director, Anne Gallacher at the beginning of April.

At the time, Gallacher said: “As this festival is new, we’re looking for an inspirational name for it and wanted to ask the public to contribute with their ideas. This festival is all about the people of Scotland enjoying opportunities to be more creative as a natural part of ageing, so it’s important to ask them for their input.”

After careful consideration by representatives of the three Festival partners, Creative Scotland, the Baring Foundation and AgeScotland, Gallacher is delighted to announce the name saying: “Luminate clearly expresses a sense of light and energy and reflects the feeling of optimism and anticipation that we are looking to achieve in our Festival programming.”

In July, Gallacher will announce programme highlights, followed by full programme details in September. For updates, visit: www.creativescotland.com

In the meantime, she explains more about programming the first festival of its kind in Scotland: “The programme for Luminate is taking shape, and I am looking forward to an exciting month of events and activities across Scotland this October.

“Luminate will feature a wide range of projects aimed at older people as participants or audience members, activities that bring the generations together, work by older professional artists, creative activities with people being cared for in residential homes and in their local community, and work which explores what it means to all of us that society is ageing.”

Gallacher goes on to describe how organisations and groups can apply to take part: “We want as many people as possible to take part, and I would like to invite any organisations, groups and artists who would like their work to be featured in the festival to apply for inclusion in our brochure. Details of how to apply will be available on the Creative Scotland website shortly, or you can register your interest by emailing luminate@agescotland.org.uk”

Iain Munro, Director of Creative Development at Creative Scotland, said; “Luminate is a fantastic name for this exciting new addition to Scotland’s festival calendar – it will bring a spotlight directly on to our amazing range of artists and onto the benefit that a rich creative life can bring, whether you’re aged 9 – or 90!”

Learning from existing festival models including Bealtaine in Ireland and Gwanwyn in Wales, Luminate will bring social, economic and health benefits to older people and the wider community, and will encourage intergenerational connections.

Katie Docherty of Age Scotland, said: “We believe this to be a positive development that in the longer term will have a major impact on Scotland’s older population and their involvement in and appreciation of the arts.

“In the recent past the emphasis appears to have been mainly on the younger artist, perhaps contributing to a bit of a cultural vacuum as far as older artists and those in later life who appreciate and enjoy the arts are concerned.

“We are confident that this festival will address concerns in this regard and result in improved intergenerational co-operation to the benefit of all of Scotland’s communities.”

Source: Wendy Grannon