West Kilbride Community Initiative Ltd
NEW DIRECTORS – West Kilbride Community Initiative Limited
Expressions of interest are welcomed from anyone who may wish to consider joining the Board of West Kilbride Community Initiative Limited. This regeneration project offers a range of interest areas and covers the Craft Studios and Barony Centre with its Gallery Shop, Café and Exhibition Area.
The Board meets monthly and members are encouraged to actively engage according to their interests, skills and availability. The team is well established and ably supported by two part time members of staff. The project is dependent on the support of volunteers many of whom have loyally worked with us for many years.
For further information please contact wkcilboard@gmail.com and an informal meeting may be arranged.
About West Kilbride Community Initiative Limited
In 1998 a group of community activists and elected representatives, supported by the community, launched West Kilbride Community Initiative Limited (WKCIL) as a vehicle to regenerate the community by creating Scotland’s only designated Craft and Design town.
The ethos of the organisation was to use crafts in the social, economic, cultural and environmental regeneration of the community. In doing so, the underlying principle was that craft was at the centre of the activities of Craft Town Scotland.
Over the subsequent years, the Initiative with support from funders, has bought or been gifted a total of 9 studios along the main streets which offer affordable rents to a wide range of makers/artists. These working studios are open 3 days a week to the public, Thurs-Sat 11am-4pm, although private appointments can be made out with these hours. We currently have a Silversmith, A Bear Maker, a Book Binder, 2 Glass Artists – each one using a different technique, a Textile Artist, a Sculptor, and a Community Art Studio. Our Makers are often out attending Shows/Fayres so please ensure you get in touch with them if you are making a special visit to see them.
In May 2012 the Barony Centre was opened, creating a focal point and showcase for the Craft Town Scotland initiative. This is housed in a multi-award winning redevelopment of a 19th Century Grade ‘C’ listed church. A ‘culturally unique’ building, The Barony Centre is a place where creativity inspires.
Craft Town Scotland seeks to use crafts as both an attractor and a vehicle for the regeneration of the local community. It looks to work in partnership with other local, regional and national organisations that share their objectives.
Craft Town Scotland aims to make a positive difference by:
• Engaging with makers and audiences in the crafting community
• Using craft as a vehicle to improve social well-being and reduce social isolation
• Building community cohesion through activities that inspire personal and community confidence
• Creating a critical mass of activity associated with crafts that leads to the social, economic, cultural and environmental regeneration of the community
WKCIL also includes The West Kilbride Environment Group and The West Kilbride Trust.
WKCIL is run by a board of volunteer directors who meet regularly to help with the organisation of Craft Town Scotland, the West Kilbride Environment Group and the West Kilbride Trust.
The current board of directors are:
Billy Dunn – Chairperson
Fiona Macintosh – Secretary
Kay Hall – Director
Gordon Hodgson – Director
David Moroney – Director
Anne Clarke – Director
Neil Gray – Co-opted
Reuben Phillips – Co-opted
You can contact WKCIL by email at: wkcilboard@gmail.com