All about the ARTS

Inject some culture into your summer schedule with our pick of productions, festivals and gallery events

MOY MACKAY GALLERY

Nestled in the Northgate, in the Borders town of Peebles, lies this delightful artist-owned gallery. Glasgow School of Art trained Moy Mackay is regarded as the leader of felted painting, an art form she pioneered over 15 years ago. She is the author of two books on the subject, and now spends much time travelling to share her art. In addition to Moy’s work, the gallery showcases a myriad of Scotland’s finest fine and applied artists. Forthcoming featured artists include Richard Demarco, Anna King, Kirstie Cohen and Ron Lawson. Visit the online gallery at www.moymackay.com.

THE BYRE THEATRE

In early June, the Byre Theatre will host the University of the South Pacific’s Moana: The Rising of the Sea. Inspired by a desire to use the performing arts of the Pacific to highlight many island nations’ most pressing issue – climate change – Moana juxtaposes images of rising sea levels in Oceania with poetry, music, dance, and drama. Elaborate and ambitious, Moana is a meditation on cultural loss, displacement, and our collective responsibility to each other. Tickets are available from the Byre Box Office for performances on 10-12 June. Tel: 01334 475000, www.byretheatre.com

SOUTHERN FRIED FESTIVAL

The Southern Fried Festival in Perth Concert Hall and other city centre venues from 30 July to 2 August is a super-sized slice of Americana with a warm Scottish flavour. Covering all roots bases from soul to country and bluegrass to gospel, headliners include Punch Brothers, Rhiannon Giddens, McCrary Sisters and The Fairfield Four. Bluegrass band Della Mae will anchor Because We’re Women, an all-female celebration of the songs of Dolly Parton; plus there’s a sizzling selection of free gigs, late night clubs and finger-lickin’ food. Tel: 01738 621031, www.southernfriedfestival.co.uk

GREAT TAPESTRY OF SCOTLAND

One of the biggest community arts projects to take place in the country, the Great Tapestry of Scotland comes to Kirkcaldy Galleries from 20 June to 20 September. Consisting of more than 160 panels, running more than 140 metres in length, the tapestry brings the history of Scotland to life in vibrant colour, and took 1,000 talented volunteers more than 50,000 hours to complete. Of particular interest will be the 12 panels depicting life and history in Fife, including panels on Dunfermline’s royal history, the formation of St Andrews University and the construction of the Forth Rail Bridge. Tel: 01592 583206, www.onfife.com