Shetland culture to be celebrated in 2007

Visitors to Shetland will have the opportunity to take a full and active part in Highland 2007 when a year long celebration of textiles and music takes place in the islands. 

Highland 2007 aims to create social and economic benefits by celebrating the area's culture - past, present and future - through events that focus on arts, environment, heritage, language, science and sport.

Project Maelstrom has been organised by GlobalYell Ltd, an arts education and training organisation run through its newly established base at the Centre for the Creative Industries in Sellafirth, Yell.

HIE Shetland, LEADER+ and Highland 2007 have approved funding of £29,000 to take Project Maelstrom forward.  The project is named after a tidal whirlpool found in the Lofoten Islands of northern Norway. 

Celebrations will begin with a multi-media exhibition that will tour throughout Shetland, exploring various aspects of the Maelstrom.  On show will be a woven representation of a whirlpool made from Shetland yarns, a selection of images inspired by a story by Edgar Allan Poe - Descent into the Maelstrom, and a film of an artist's search for the great Maelstrom in the Lofoten Islands.  The project will conclude with a staged performance at the end of the year, incorporating ideas and products, including textiles, music and storytelling that have been developed throughout the year. 

Andy Ross, director of GlobalYell Ltd said:  "This is a great opportunity to showcase traditional skills and integrate new ideas, supporting the longer term goals and activities in the North Isles and Shetland.  There will be a large amount of community and schools participation in the creation of the work through rehearsals and workshops and a website is also being created to inform people on the progress of Project Maelstrom."

Sarah Johnston, development manager at HIE Shetland said:  "We are delighted to assist the project that will support local culture and show the diversity of activities that exist in the islands, supporting and nurturing indigenous arts and crafts.  An additional goal of this project will help local makers and performers to explore opportunities to create new businesses or employment opportunities which would generate economic benefits and help support the future growth of Shetland's cultural infrastructure."