Red letter day for culture vultures as gallery and museum set to reopen

Date: 
Friday, 2 October, 2020


auld kirk museumAfter more than six long months, two much loved local culture venues are set to reopen their doors and are inviting visitors to drop in.

The Auld Kirk Museum in Kirkintilloch and The Lillie Art Gallery in Milngavie - two jewels in the crown of East Dunbartonshire's arts and culture scene - will reopen on Tuesday 13 October 2020.

They will open in line with Scottish Government guidance and public health advice in relation to COVID- 19 so some things will be different but the welcome will be warm and the exhibitions will be fresh and inspiring.

In an online survey carried out during August, 88% of participants said they would feel comfortable returning to the museum and gallery immediately or within two weeks of reopening with all health and safety precautions in place. From 13 October, visitors will notice:

  • Regular cleaning of touchpoints by venue staff
  • Everyone (unless exempt) wearing a face covering
  • Hand sanitiser available at various points
  • Lots of signage to ensure social distancing and limited numbers of visitors
  • A clearly marked one-way system.

An advance booking system will operate to ensure numbers are controlled and that venues and visitors are safe. Visitors can phone the Museum (0141 777 3013 or Gallery (0141 956 5536) to book a place or sign up on www.eventbrite.co.uk

Until early November, visitors can enjoy the following exhibitions, at which point the hugely popular and well established Christmas Exhibitions will also be added:

  • Auld Kirk Museum - Milton of Campsie Art Club Exhibition featuring works by members of this vibrant and enthusiastic group of amateur artists.
  • Lillie Art Gallery - Glasgow and District Branch of the Embroiderers' Guild Exhibition entitled 'Vision 2020' showcasing traditional and modern methods of this skilled art.
  • Lillie Art Gallery - The Young People's Art Exhibition, entitled 'Future Ideas' highlighting the work of the children and young people who attend Saturday Art Classes as part of the EDC Arts & Events Programme. It features drawings, paintings, sculptures and conceptual ideas. A must if you want to be inspired and impressed.

art gallery87% of survey respondents said they thought it was very valuable or valuable for people to engage in cultural activities as part of recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Councillor Vaughan Moody, Joint Council Leader, said, "The Lillie Art Gallery and Auld Kirk Museum are part of the fabric of the towns they are in so for them to be closed for so long has been a huge loss to the community.

"We know people have missed visiting to enjoy the calm surroundings and the wonderful work on display so I am sure that the positive news that they will reopen again very soon will be welcomed."

Councillor Andrew Polson, Joint Council Leader, added, "I would like to thank venue staff who are working very hard in challenging circumstances to get everything ready for visitors. Thanks to their efforts, the visitor experience will be a safe one and people should feel confident and comfortable.

"It is great news that these venues are coming back and I look forward to the always excellent Christmas Exhibitions which offer unique shopping experiences and a truly festive atmosphere."

The Get Creative Children’s Saturday Arts Programme and Adult Art Classes are expected to return within 4-6 weeks of reopening. Please keep an eye on the EDLC Facebook and Twitter Pages for updates.
 

Follow the Council on Twitter or like on Facebook

Follow the Culture Trust on Twitter or like on Facebook

Follow the Leisure Trust on Twitter or like on Facebook