Even Here, Even Now
Amplifying the voice of island artists
Shetland Arts, together with artists from Orkney and the Outer Hebrides, have been working on a collective project which places creativity at the centre of community life and policy-making. The Even Here, Even Now manifesto emerged from the Culture Collective programme, a Creative Scotland initiative originally set up to support artists and communities in the wake of the pandemic.
Unlike many other projects, Culture Collective was artist-led: practitioners designed their own proposals, applied for funding, and directed the work in their communities. This independence inspired projects that were rooted in lived experience, often tackling loneliness, isolation and inequality. In Shetland, the project evolved beyond its original scope. Artists chose to come together to create a manifesto – a living document that reflects both the challenges and opportunities of working creatively in small island communities.
The manifesto was launched through an imaginative and participatory process. Artist advocates were appointed in different island locations to lead workshops, raise awareness, and invite the public to contribute. A striking interactive installation, adapted from a previous exhibition, toured spaces such as Bigton Bakery and a public hall in Yell. Members of the public were encouraged to write their thoughts directly onto the piece, ensuring the manifesto reflected a wide range of voices, not just those of professional artists.
A strong theme was the recognition that freelance artists often work alone and can feel disconnected, particularly in geographically dispersed communities. The manifesto seeks to address this by building a sense of collective identity and shared purpose, as well as advocating for artists to have a stronger role in shaping local and national policy. It highlights how creative practitioners often reach people that other services cannot, and how the arts can act as a bridge into wider community life.
'Even Here, Even Now' sums up the spirit, resilience and creativity that define our island arts communities. This manifesto is about change and ensuring that island arts thrive and contribute fully to our cultural landscape.’ Kathryn Gordon, Creative Project Manager
As the project developed, an online community was established through a Facebook group, alongside in-person events and showcase opportunities. These activities allowed artists to share their work, learn from one another, and build relationships across islands. Cross-island collaboration brought new perspectives: for example, Shetland artists reflected on the central role of Gaelic in the Outer Hebrides, prompting discussion about how language and identity intersect with creativity.
The manifesto has drawn national attention. It has been covered in The Scotsman and welcomed by Creative Scotland’s Head of Place. Discussions are under way for future funding, potentially including a dedicated coordinator role to support collaboration across islands. With this momentum, Even Here, Even Now is set to continue evolving, providing both advocacy and practical support for creative communities.
Contribution to the Shetland Partnership
- Participation: by encouraging residents to contribute ideas and voices to the manifesto.
- People: by reducing isolation among freelance artists and supporting wellbeing through connection.
- Place: by valuing island identity and demonstrating how creativity can shape local communities.
- Money: by supporting artists’ incomes through commissions, roles, and potential long-term funding streams.
Even Here, Even Now demonstrates how creativity can strengthen resilience, amplify community voices, and inspire new ways of thinking about island futures. The manifesto can be accessed here.