Eventually they are planning to build artist’s studios, exhibition and performance space and house for the island’s art collection.
]]>A registered charity, founded in 1977, Lyth Arts Centre has consistently aimed at promoting work in theatre, music and visual art of the highest standard. Most of its programme is devoted to presenting professional artists and performers from this country and beyond but the centre also acts as a stopping-off point for local artistic endeavour.
The 60-seat studio theatre and exhibition gallery play host to a rich mix of drama, contemporary music and visual art from April to December.
Lyth reopened in 2004 after a major 2 year refurbishment. The centre is now fully accessible for disabled visitors, has on site accommodation for performers and improved parking facilities. There is also a comfortable foyer opening onto a veranda and sheltered garden. This work was mostly privately funded, with assistance from Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise and the National Lottery through the Scottish Arts Council. Lyth Arts Centre is financially assisted by revenue funding from the Scottish Arts Council and The Highland Council.
]]>The building started life as a drill hall in the 1st World War and during the 2nd World War served as a theatre to entertain the thousands of troops stationed in Shetland.
Today the Garrison has been fully refurbished and is a well-equipped small theatre. Thriving local amateur dramatic clubs producing a range of work from pantomime to musicals and serious drama, and this also the venue for the annual Shetland County Drama Festival.
Numerous visiting companies including Scottish Opera on tour, 7:84, Scottish Arts Council sponsored productions, children’s theatre, concerts and comedy acts – Billy Connolly and Ken Dodd have both played Britain’s most northerly theatre.
]]>Internally the new centre has been planned to be a vibrant and motivating environment which allows people to meet, discuss and generate a community of creativity.
The centre has three rentable teaching studios, four individual artist studios, a Community Gallery and in a high-spec gallery.
]]>A collection of paintings which includes works by Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth and Alfred Wallis, is on permanent display. The centre reopened in 2007 after major development.
]]>The Universal Hall comprises: a main auditorium, dance studio, recording studio and Blue Angel Cafe with art exhibition space.
]]>The Training Centre becomes the Old Brewery for gigs. We may not be the biggest venue in the north, but we have an intimate atmosphere and great audiences, with many very special nights – come along and have a good time.
]]>The theatre reopened on 3 November 2007 after major refurbishment and expansion work.
]]>Taigh Chearsabhagh presents an accessible and integrated programme combining contemporary art and the islands’ heritage and culture with interpreted exhibitions, events, residencies and educational programme.The unique landscape and culture of the Uists provides the context within which we are able to offer a very special creative programme.
Taigh Chearsabhagh aims to make a significant contribution to arts and cultural provision both locally and internationally.
Open all year, Mon-Sat 10.00-17.00
]]>Open May to September, Mon-Sat 10.00-17.00 & Sun 13.00-16.00 (July & August only) / October to April (closed Jan and Feb) Tues-Sat 10.00-16.00, and for performances.
]]>Open all year, Mon-Sat 10.00-17.30 and during performances.
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