VAA Falkirk press release 2013

Local arts and crafts groups in Falkirk

get their own ‘Ambassador’

Each week in Falkirk, people of all ages meet up to create, perform, teach and learn in drama clubs, choirs, knitting circles, dancing troupes, quilting groups and more.

But not all of them know about the range of advice and support available to them, both locally and nationally. Which is why Voluntary Arts Scotland set up the ‘Voluntary Arts Ambassador’ scheme, recruiting enthusiastic volunteers in each of Scotland’s local authorities, to champion the arts and crafts in their area.

The newly appointed Voluntary Arts Ambassador for Falkirk is Craig Allan. They’ll be linking up arts and crafts groups with volunteer agencies, local authority arts officers and community planning partnerships.

Local groups can use their VAA’s contacts to help spread the word about their activities, including through a special Facebook page for the area. They can also find out about some exciting projects run by Voluntary Arts Scotland, including

• The Epic Awards – an annual award celebrating great work in the amateur arts and crafts. www.epicawards.co.uk
• Voluntary Arts Week – a week-long celebration in May each year, shining a light on amateur arts and crafts groups, and encouraging others to join them. www.voluntaryartsweek.org

To get in touch with [your name here] people can email: vaa-falkirk@vascotland.org.uk or contact Voluntary Arts Scotland on tel: 0131 225 7355.

About the VAA scheme:

• The Voluntary Arts Ambassadors scheme is funded by the Big Lottery Fund.

• For more information about Voluntary Arts Ambassadors, please contact the VAA Coordinator, Carol Stobie on tel: 0131 225 9790 or email: carol@vascotland.org.uk.

• Voluntary Arts Scotland is part of Voluntary Arts, the development agency for the arts and crafts participation in the UK and Republic of Ireland. To find out more about Voluntary Arts Scotland, please contact Jemma Neville, Director on tel: 0131 225 7355 or e-mail: jemma@vascotland.org.uk

• Community Planning is a coming together of organisations who all have an interest in improving life for the local community. Community Planning Partnerships (CPPs) are managed by the Local Authority and include representatives from the police, health service, fire brigade, local business and many more.