A bold champion of the arts in Dumfries and Galloway is celebrating 10 successful years in 2025 – starting with a new free exhibition.
Upland CIC (Community Interest Company) was founded in 2015 to support artists and makers based in, and with connections to, the region.
It delivers events, training, networking, support and opportunities and the visual art and craft development organisation runs a year-round creative programme featuring exhibitions, residencies and events including Spring Fling – Scotland’s leading open studios weekend, which will feature more than 80 studios and, this year, takes place from May 24 to 26.
Spring Fling’s impressive record includes more than £10.2m of art and craft bought and more than £17.5m generated for the local economy
Over the decade these initiatives have raised the profile of the creative community in one of Scotland’s most rural regions and has kept going despite some of the toughest times faced by the sector including the impacts of Covid-19, public spending and the cost of living crisis. Its funders are Creative Scotland, D&G Council, The Holywood Trust, ASWT and Barfill.
And to mark the start of its 10th birthday celebrations, a free Decade exhibition has opened at the Kirkcudbright Galleries until March 9 in Gallery 2 from 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Saturday, and 11.30am to 4pm (last entry 3.45pm) on Sundays.
Amy Marletta, who has been part of Upland from the start and is now its creative director, added: “What has allowed Upland to become such a driving force in the arts is that it’s deeply rooted in the landscapes and communities of Dumfries and Galloway.
“Decade is more than just an exhibition, it’s a recognition of 10 years of creativity, collaboration and connection. It’s a milestone I’m proud and delighted to celebrate.”
Decade offers the public an opportunity to see 45 stunning pieces by 45 Dumfries and Galloway artists and makers – highlighting the extraordinary breadth of talent within Upland’s membership, including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, film and more. Artworks are for sale in this exhibition.
Natasha Kinsella, Upland’s events and exhibitions development manager, explained that each piece in the Decade exhibition “will reflect the shared journeys, creative growth and meaningful relationships that define Upland”.
She said: “In the face of a fragile funding environment and the uncertainty that lies ahead, this moment allows us to spotlight and celebrate the incredible artists and makers we have in the region.
“It’s a testament to the resilience of our creative community and the vital role Upland has played in nurturing it over the past decade.”
The exhibition features ceramics by Andy Priestman, Archie McCall, Doug Fitch, Frances Ross, Heather Armstrong, and Ruth Elizabeth Jones. There is mixed media work by Denise Zygadlo, Helen Walsh, Alison Corfield, Anne Waggot Knott, Linda Mallett, Rory Laycock, and Silvy Weatherall plus furniture design by Daniel Lacey and Ian Cameron-Smith.
Visitors can see glass by Katy Quinn, hand-stitched creations by Elizabeth Stephenson and jewellery by Lisa Rothwell-Young, as well as mobiles by Jay Rubinstein, mosaics by Kate Anderson, and a rich variety of paintings, photography and prints from Upland members including Alexander Robb, Briony Anderson, David Quinn, Hazel Campbell, Colin Blanchard and many more.
The 10th anniversary also reflects on how Upland and Spring Fling are recognised as playing an invaluable role in the lives of many artists and makers, as well as harnessing the power of the arts to shape and enhance communities and address environmental issues.
Gyllian Thomson, a tapestry maker, said: “Upland has been pivotal to me. I am so grateful we have an organisation that works on behalf of us all. Spring Fling put me in the centre of the artists’ community and enabled me to be part of something wonderful. The biggest and best part of my year is opening up my studio and meeting people who really appreciate what I do. We are lucky to have Upland and Spring Fling in our amazing region.”
Painter, Cat Coulson, added: “My work explores biodiverse habitats and nature reserves across Dumfries and Galloway.
“Upland encourages exploratory, non-commercial and unique work, where the process of creating is valued, and through Spring Fling they provide an essential space for public engagement. Upland has supported my creative and professional development. By connecting with other Upland members, at events, peer crit groups and workshops, I have gained friendships, support and resources.”
Frances Ross, a ceramicist, said: “Upland is an intrinsic part of the arts ecosystem of the region and is central to my practice taking root here. Through Upland I’ve connected with makers across the region and had the opportunity to work with talented people in many disciplines. In this region brimming with creative talent, the work of Upland lifts us all.”
Other initiatives by Upland include Emerge, which provides bursaries and mentorship from established artists to two emerging artists and makers; Rural Mural in collaboration with Recoat which has brought temporary murals on the walls of everything from barns to boat sheds; Artful Migration – A series of artists’ residencies and commissions (delivered in partnership with Moving Souls Dance) exploring the threats facing birds that migrate from around the world to Dumfries and Galloway; and Modern Makers, which encourages young people to learn craft skills.
During the past 10 years Upland has taken work by the region’s artists to galleries across the UK. It has also organised exhibitions in more unusual settings, such as Kilsture Roaming, which took place in the middle of Kilsture Forest.
And its newest achievement is Upland made, held annually at Easterbrook Hall in Dumfries as a winter contemporary art and craft sale organised ahead of Christmas for the public.