VISUAL ARTS
Bonhoga Gallery at Weisdale Mill is the first purpose built gallery in
Shetland and the most northerly in the UK with a programme of visual and
applied art. Weisdale Mill also houses the Shetland Working Textile Museum
with changing exhibitions related to Shetland's textiles, past and present.
Bonhoga has a lively touring programme with shows at Sumburgh Airport, the
Leisure Centres in Yell, Unst and Whalsay and the Peerie Shop Cafe, Lerwick.
The only private gallery is Healthcraft in Lerwick, but the Shetland Museum
and the Old Haa, in Yell, also house art exhibitions.
The Hatchery Workshop
opposite Weisdale Mill runs a programme of adult and children's art and
craft workshops. Public Art, at present, is scarce but by the turn of the
century several outstanding works should enliven the landscape.
An exciting
art trail, along the Scalloway Waterfront, opened in 1998. Many artists and
photographers visit Shetland, attracted by the sparse landscape, the wild
foreshores and dramatic rock formations and the incredible, strange,
haunting light.
DRAMA
The Garrison Theatre in Lerwick has a programme of performances throughout
the year by diverse groups ranging from large scale musicals to small
improvisational based performances with the annual pantomime a high point in
the theatre-goers' year.
There
is a proliferation of drama groups throughout the islands, some performing
work in the dialect, and many taking part in the spring drama festival.
Shetland Youth Theatre gives performances at various locations in Shetland
throughout the year.
Visitors interested in current drama productions should contact Shetland
Arts Trust or Islesburgh Community Centre for further information.
