Cuairt Chaluim Chille (360G-BNG-CC-2023-00701)

CHARTS is applying for funding support to facilitate the growth of Gaelic language and culture partnership between Argyll and Ireland through the development of Cuairt Chaluim Chille / Colmcille exhibition tour, with associated language and arts events/forums, across Argyll at five exhibition venues. Gaelic artists, speakers and learners from Argyll and Ireland will be offered opportunities for partnership working and will be invited to celebrate language and culture around Colmcille arts & heritage themes, including through an arts and heritage awards scheme to support participation. The exhibition venues will act as conversation hubs, bringing together Gaelic artists and communities, to explore the influence and journey of Colmcille in Argyll. This application is based on extensive research to date across Argyll and Bute, showing the desire of key cultural practitioners to further build relationships with Gaelic speakers in Ireland and aims to take up the Colmcille exhibition tour offer made to CHARTS by Judith McCarthy, Donegal County Museum and Bernadette Walsh, Tower Museum, Derry, to support partnership development.  This project builds on potential development discussions to date with Foras na Gaeilge and Bòrd na Gàidhlig, aiming to further grow relationships from joint activities during Colmcille 1500. This project also aims to capitalise on the recent positioning of a Gaelic Culture Officer funded by Bòrd na Gàidhlig in Argyll and Bute; located within CHARTS, this staff continues to build networks to promote Gaelic Language and Culture, is developing Gaelic Strategy for the region and assists to inform regular report to the Argyll and Bute Council Gaelic Policy Lead Group.