I Capture the Castle
This is one of those books I’ve always meant to read. Working in a children’s bookshop once upon a time, it was a go-to favourite for many of my colleagues. In the world of British kids lit it’s legendary, and I believe it is the sort of coming-of-age novel that’s as valuable and valid at … Continue reading
Digital Storytelling (Amb:IT:ion)
Amb:IT:ion is dedicated to enabling, inspiring, and implementing digital creativity in Scotland. From workshops to funding streams, the initiative aims to support arts and cultural bodies to make the most of their digital presence, and think outside the box to be competitive and creative in their digital strategies. One of their recent activities explored Digital … Continue reading
The Bolshoi Ballet : Raymonda
Last week, I saw the Bolshoi Ballet. Alas, I was not in Moscow, though I’d have loved to see the theatre’s resplendent renovation in person. (You can watch a video about the refurb and get a sneak peek of the venue here. Hint: gold foil mixed with vodka!) Instead, I trekked to my local indy … Continue reading
Business, the Sara Grady way
I recently went out to lunch with one of my favourite clients. They are interesting, clever people who think creatively and dream big; an excellent mix for working relationships and delightful luncheons. It was ostensibly a debrief and wrap-up of our last collaboration, and (other than good company) they furnished me with two delightful things. … Continue reading
Love in a Library
Lots of people aren’t into Opera. I get it. I do. The endlessly long running times. The ridiculous daytime-tv-worthy plots. The repetitive subtitles. There is a lot to put a gal off. BUT, hear me out. Imagine you are sitting in a sunny library. A quiet space full of potential. A kind-eyed librarian gently … Continue reading
Edinburgh World Writers’ Conference at the Edinburgh International Book Festival
Yesterday over breakfast canapes and clinking glasses the Edinburgh International Book Festival launched the 2012 programme. One of the highlights of the city’s summer festivals, a gamut of writers, thinkers and philosophers descend on Charlotte Square for almost three weeks of creativity and debate. This year’s line-up echoes the now-standard festival motifs: best-selling writers, big … Continue reading
A busy week in Edinburgh
I won’t be writing much this week. Summer’s cultural season is at full tilt (despite the inclement weather), so I’ll mostly be on the road. In case you’d like to get on board with some of Edinburgh’s exciting offering, here’s a selection of activities to try: <br> Leith Festival This gem runs all week, with … Continue reading
Scotland’s National Portrait Gallery, reimagined
I once briefly mentioned the deliciously anticipated reopening of the National Portrait Gallery, part of the National Galleries of Scotland. It’s been open six months and every time I’ve been in, the physical changes reinforce a new, surprising space in which a National institution supports a public engagement with art. The traditional tenements of … Continue reading
Edinburgh International Film Festival 2012
Edinburgh has many festivals of all shapes and sizes. After a rocky few years the Edinburgh International Film Festival is often the one with the most gossip and speculation attached, but it’s also easily one of the most glamorous. This year a new structure and a new director seem to be taking it back to … Continue reading
National Library of Scotland’s Conservation Workshop
I spent this afternoon in the bowels of the National Library of Scotland. While deliciously labyrinthine, I was glad to have a guide. I think I was nine floors below street level before I saw a window. In among the nation’s treasured King James Bible and the First Folio of Shakespeare, I was observing in … Continue reading
Que Sera Sara? 