A MORAY GROUP that has provided outstanding voluntary service to the region through its provision of a community Arts Festival has gained a Volunteer Friendly Award.
Findhorn Bay Arts has highlighted an exceptional code of volunteer practice and equality standards, according to tsiMoray volunteering and group development manager, who added that these standards were followed by the organisation “for the benefit of individual development and community participation”.
Jenny said “Findhorn Bay Arts has a diverse range of volunteering opportunities available throughout the year and a role for everyone to get involved.
“It is an organisation that stands with open arms to all volunteer participants and they are a lead example for volunteer engagement.”
The Findhorn Bay Arts portfolio of volunteering opportunities has included roles in three past Culture Days, the 1st Findhorn Bay Arts Festival, Youth Arts Ambassador roles, and as artists in productions such as ‘Macbeth The Remix’ which involved 120 local participants and ‘To Begin…’ with the National Theatre of Scotland that showcased on Culture Day 2015.
Vicky Flood, Volunteer Co-ordinator for Culture Day and the Findhorn Bay Festival said: “Events such as Culture Day and the biennial festival just wouldn’t happen without dedicated volunteers.
“Volunteer input has been received in many ways both artistically and to support administration as well as through event management and stewarding. It is fantastic to have people of all ages and all abilities coming on board to support the organisation.
“It is brilliant that volunteers are able to grow personally and increase their confidence through voluntary work with us.”
Findhorn Bay Arts has a programme of creative engagement that takes place throughout the year that culminates in the showcase of Culture Day and the biennial Findhorn Bay Festival.
Local young person Abi Smith, who has volunteered with the organisation during 2015, also scooped a Saltire Award for her outstanding voluntary contribution. Abi volunteered through IGNITE: Moray Youth Arts Hub in roles as a Cabaret Host, stall attendant and as an arts ambassador Gill Bird, Outreach and Audience Development Manager for Findhorn Bay Arts, presented Abi with her Saltire Award last month.
Abi said: “Volunteering with Findhorn Bay Arts has been really fun. I’ve learnt new things, made new friends and the experience has helped me get a part time job too.”
To find out more about volunteering opportunities with Findhorn Bay Arts please visit www.findhornbayarts.org.