Luminate chosen to illuminate ageing and arts

‘Luminate' has been chosen as the name for Scotland's brand new national festival celebrating arts, creativity and ageing.

Loosely based on existing festival models such as Bealtaine in Ireland and Gwanwyn in Wales, ‘Luminate', organised, funded and staged by Creative Scotland, the Baring Foundation and Age Scotland, is intended to bring social, economic and health benefits to older people and the wider community, and to encourage intergenerational connections.

Taking place in October 2012, ‘Luminate' will serve as a diverse and large-scale celebration of older artists, performers and participants, showcasing the arts, creativity and ageing in a drive to increase the numbers of older people enjoying high quality arts activities, whether as artists, performers, participants or consumers, as research shows that older people are less likely than other groups to take part in cultural activities.

Festival Director Anne Gallacher said: "Luminate clearly expresses a sense of light and energy, reflecting the feeling of optimism and anticipation that we are looking to achieve in our Festival programming.

"The programme for ‘Luminate' is taking shape, and people can look forward to an exciting month of events and activities across Scotland this October. "‘Luminate' will feature a wide range of projects aimed at older people as participants or audience members, activities that bring the generations together, creations by older professional artists, innovative activities with care home residents and people receiving care in their local community and works that explore what it means to all of us that society is ageing.

"We want as many people as possible to take part so there is an open invitation to any organisations, groups and artists who would like their work to be featured to apply for inclusion in our brochure. Details of how to apply will be available on the Age Scotland website shortly, or you can register your interest by email at luminate@agescotland.org.uk."    

In July Anne will announce ‘Luminate' programme highlights, followed by full programme details in September. For updates, visit www.agescotland.org.uk or sign up for the Age Scotland e-bulletin.