Strathearn Artspace receives celebrity support

http://www.strathearnherald.co.uk/strathearn-news/strathearn-news/2013/07/05/strathearn-artspace-receives-celebrity-support-64054-33562627/

Strathearn Artspace receives celebrity support

Jul 5 2013 by Lynn Duke, Strathearn Herald

Those behind a drive to transform the Old Crieff Library into a state-of-the-art community arts venue have been backed by a whole host of celebrities.
Actors Gerard Butler, Ewan McGregor and Denis Lawson are among those who have signalled their backing for Strathearn Artspace’s ambitious project by signing a letter of support.
Authors Jess Smith and Margaret Bennett, artist Lys Hansen and art critic Giles Sutherland have also inked their names on the prized document – with leading Scottish actor Brian Cox expected to join the supportive group of stars shortly.
The letter is to be sent to Perth and Kinross Council chief executive Bernadette Malone in a bid to add additional weight to Strathearn Artspace’s attempt to breathe new life into the library building.

A detailed business plan has already been submitted, with many local residents and politicians already in support of a project which could see the former municipal building transformed into a hub for the arts, boasting an auditorium, exhibition area, teaching and meeting rooms and a small shop.
The Crieff duo behind Strathearn Artspace, David Campbell and Tom Barron, hope their bid will be successful but it will be another few weeks before they find out. The closing date for applications to lease the building from the local authority is July 9.
Tom said: “The letter is an endorsement from people who have huge creative careers and local professionals in the arts. They are from here and are all for it.”
Tom described the potential for the project as “huge”, adding that he hoped a successful bid would benefit the whole community and attract visitors to the town.
A stand-up comedy club, and music, book and poetry festivals are just some of the events envisaged if the venue gets the green light.
The fledgling plans also include scope for a hub for workshops, theatre productions and a cinema.
The letter reads: “The facilities would give opportunities for local residents to access a broad range of arts for both entertainment and personal development.
“As people who earn our living from the creative arts we see the value of such an enterprise to both current and future generations of creative residents of Strathearn and also to those residents who just enjoy attending creative events.
“We believe this project will be of significant benefit to the area and would urge you to lend Strathearn Artspace as much support as you can to aid this valuable project.”