Cinema projects ready to roll
Three projects in Argyll and Bute and one on Skye are among 24 projects from the Orkney Isles to Galashiels, to have received support from The National Lottery through Screen Scotland’s Cinema Equipment Fund.
Funding will go towards buying new equipment to host accessible community cinema across Scotland in line with the Scottish Government’s latest Covid-19 guidance, all 24 projects can now begin plans to get up and running and welcoming audiences, as soon as they’re able, from Wednesday July 15.
Screen Argyll (£12,190.00) can now invest in new mobile film screening equipment and kick start a full cinema programme across 11 Hebridean islands.
Screen Argyll’s Jen Skinner said: ‘We’re thrilled to receive this award. It will enable us to supply cinema kit to Barra, Vatersay and the Small Isles, and support our work in developing film activity across Argyll and the Isles.’ Oban Phoenix Cinema (22,436.00) is upgrading its equipment to allow the cinema to continue to deliver a high-quality and diverse programme to local communities.
On receiving funding an Oban Phoenix spokesperson said: ‘The funding will enable us to provide top quality films and live theatre via our new equipment to all our rural communities for which the cinema remains an important part of the social structure.’
Atlas Arts (24,962.00) in Portree plan to purchase new film projection equipment to support the relaunch of a regular discursive and artist moving image programme of film and film exhibitions on Skye, with
Screen Argyll received £12,190.00 to invest in new mobile film screening equipment.
cross-community its core.
The cinema equipment will be a community resource aiming to build cross-island cinema engagement, supporting existing community film projects on the island with free access to equipment and resources, and working with local cultural spaces on connected programming.
Katharine Barrington, Atlas Arts said: ‘Purchasing this equipment marks an important step for Atlas as we start to support and instigate new ways of working around Skye and Lochalsh, not only creating our own arts projects but working alongside the many vibrant cultural spaces and community organisations around the island to connect our collective cultural experiences.
‘This equipment will be in constant use with local film clubs, community halls and other organisations, collaboration at with Atlas also using it to create complementary programmes with these organisations and groups over time. We’re also looking forward to developing long term moving image exhibitions and projects without the huge expense and labour of rent from the mainland.’
Screen Scotland’s Jennifer Armitage said: ‘This round of awards concludes the year-long programme of capital investment in cultural and community cinemas in Scotland.
‘When we launched the Cinema Equipment Fund last year, we had no idea what 2020 was going to bring but investing in the resilience of Scotland’s film exhibition sector is more important than ever.
‘When Scotland’s cinemas reopen, they will be able to offer high quality experiences, with varied programmes, and within local communities.’
Kyles Screen Community Cinema (£24,845.00) also received funding to install a cinema screen, projector and sound system together with internet connectivity at the Colintraive Village Hall.