The Return of Grinneas nan Eilean – Come and see the wealth of creative talent on offer in the Western Isles! The ever-popular Islands Open exhibition Grinneas nan Eilean returns to An Lanntair for the fourth time in the new centre, when it opens on the 24th of April 2010.

Grinneas nan Eilean is almost as old as An Lanntair itself and has been a fixture in our programme since 1987. Over the years thousands of pieces have been displayed and a multitude of artists represented. Although Grinneas always presents a challenge (technically & time wise) it is always rewarding, revealing and representative of what is happening in the Arts in the Islands. In lots of ways it is perhaps much more of a community installation than an exhibition.

Roddy Murray, An Lanntair’s director said: “Without this exhibition, originally started in 1978 in the Town Hall as a two-week showcase for local artists, it is doubtful as to whether any of the serious visual arts initiatives in Lewis & Harris would have developed, far less a new arts centre. It shows how far we have come in terms of arts and cultural development.“

Grinneas gives everyone in our local community, young, old, professional and amateur, the opportunity to have their work exhibited and seen by friends, family and the wider community. We were greatly encouraged by the number of entries from young people last year and hope to see that repeated. But regardless of age, gender, social background and all the other innumerable categories that the modern world likes to break us down into, Grinneas is a great leveler that allows local talent to shine through.
Grinneas nan Eilean continues at An Lanntair until the 19th June 2010.

This year’s opening is at 5pm on Saturday 24th April 2010.

To find out more about An Lanntair on their website: www.lanntair.com