The Virtual Mackay Country website is part of a project to include the young people of Sutherland in creative digital artwork with residential artists who take part in the project.
It is hosted by Durness Youth Club and studio and supported by the Durness Development Group and Scottish Arts Council. The project is funded by Scotland Against Drugs and is part of the Social Inclusion Partnership of the Highlands.
Artistic Director, Beverley Carpenter is managing the residencies and website. She is inviting a number of artists to work in the studio for one month at a time. During this time they received help from studio assistant, George Miller, a young person who has taken this full time position. He is involved with digital still and moving image work passing on knowledge to his peer group.
Each of the artists in residence are looking at a site of significant interest in Sutherland. Current sites are Smoo Cave and Ceannabeinne. Other sites are Melness and Handa Island. The project will run until June 2006 and, to date, text artist Roger Day and sound artist Gabriel Norland have completed residencies. Currently Rob Birch is in residence.
Each of the sites will eventually have a virtual walk through
environment online and visitors will be able to view the work of the youths
of Sutherland as well as that of each of the artists. Background information
on each of the sites with images and historical information is also available.
The project provides valuable skills to the young people
involved, increases local knowledge and provides paid work to vulnerable
young people. The wider community and visitors to the area are also benefiting
from this project as it develops.
