For several years the Scottish Artists Union has sought to ensure that policy-makers \"do not erase the artist\".

In their recent decision to move forward with Sir Ian Wood\'s proposal for the redevelopment of Union Terrace Gardens over that of Peacock Visual Arts, Aberdeen\'s councillors are guilty of precisely that. Not only have they brazenly defied public opinion and ignored the fact that Peacock\'s scheme had secured planning permission and the majority of its funding, they seem oblivious to the devastating blow they have delivered to the arts in the city and across the North East.

Not only will Aberdeen\'s artists and her people be denied their new arts centre, this move is very likely to spell the end of Peacock too. The organisation\'s importance to the vitality of culture in the North East cannot be over-stated. It is clear that the fight to oppose Wood\'s City Square (pathetic attempts to make it cuddlier by renaming it City Gardens not withstanding) will continue, even after the sad departure of Peacock\'s Campaign Director Elly Rothnie. But the immediate priority for all concerned must now be SAVE PEACOCK.

Scotland\'s artists already have grave concerns for their future in a post-Creative Scotland, commercially minded sector. They will perceive events in Aberdeen as the grimmest possible omen.

Scottish Artists Union
Unit 231, The Briggait, 141 Bridge Gate, Glasgow, G1 5HZ
Mob: +44(0)7849637546
Email: info@sau.org.uk
Web: www.sau.org.uk

ACSEF are holding a consultation evening on Union Terrace Plans

Sir Ian Wood and Dave Blackwood from ACSEF are holding a consultation evening on their plans for Union Terrace Gardens this Wednesday at Tiger Tiger.

This is aimed at 'young people' and I would say that all of you would fall into that category ;-)
As you'll see it aims to let you young folks 'have your say'

We understand that ACSEF (Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Futures) have made the decision to only look into Wood's scheme for the Gardens and not to look any further into the benefits of Peacock's plan for the gardens which is 70% funded and has full planning permission.

See: http://www.peacockvisualarts.com/new-building/
For a different view point on Sir Ian's plans for the gardens see: http://www.architecturescotland.co.uk/news/1520/Wilson

Networking Opportunity with Creative Cultures & Cultural Enterprise Office

Creative Cultures and the Cultural Enterprise Office are working together on a short series of networking nights inviting speakers to introduce their creative practice and inspire discussion with the gathered creative community.

Creating Collaboration: A Process That WorksThursday 18 June 2009, 18:00-20:00Peacock Visual Arts, 21 Castle Street, Aberdeen, AB11 5BQ

How do collaborative relationships come about and evolve? What sort of resources do they need? What are the opportunities and challenges faced when collaborating whether within the creative industries or across others? What do you achieve when you collaborate and importantly where does this take you professionally?Visual artists Deirdre Nelson (Glasgow) and David Blyth (Huntly) will talk about why they choose to collaborate in their practice and explore the impact this has had on the development of their work and career.

Due to the space limitations, we can only accept 70 attendees for this networking event. The Cultural Enterprise Office are taking all bookings - so please email : events@culturalenterpriseoffice.co.uk or call 0844 544 9990 to reserve your space. This event is free.