About Upland

Upland is a bold, ambitious, rural-based visual art and craft development organisation based in Dumfries & Galloway, South West Scotland.

Spring Fling Rural Mural (2016) by 44FLAVOURS and Rory Laycock. Photo by Colin Tennant
Spring Fling Rural Mural (2016) by 44FLAVOURS and Rory Laycock. Photo by Colin Tennant

Upland is a bold, ambitious, rurally-based visual art, design and craft development organisation that evolved from Spring Fling CIC and was established in 2015 - find out more in Our History

Overview

Spring Fling Open Studios continues as Upland’s flagship event but we now offer a year round programme delivering a range of projects, events and exhibitions working with young people, emerging and established artists and makers. As the visual arts and craft development organisation for Dumfries & Galloway, Upland aims to provide a network for learning and sharing, offering advice and support to creative practitioners whilst aiming to inspire and educate a wide range of audiences to participate in and be supportive of visual arts and crafts.

As a membership organisation we work to create opportunities that connect our artists and makers with audiences, communities and each other. With a strong sense of place, we aim to highlight and celebrate our unique region and its creative community, raising its profile in a national and international context.

Our Mission

Our mission is to embrace a spirit of excellence, innovation and experimentation. We nurture, produce and promote visual art, design and craft, and raise the profile of the creative industries of our rural area in a national and international context.

We support and promote visual artists, designers and makers by developing mutually supportive partnerships, and engaging with diverse communities and audiences.

Our Core Values

  • Excellence
  • Experimentation
  • Ambition
  • Creativity
  • Nurturing
  • Respect

Our Aims

  • To produce and deliver festivals, events, and experimental projects of the highest quality
  • To nurture the development of artistic excellence so that it thrives and grows
  • To inspire and educate a wide range of audiences, customers and clients to understand, celebrate, participate in and be supportive of visual art and craft practice
  • To raise the profile of visual artists and makers locally, nationally and internationally fulfilling a crucial role in the culture and tourism of Dumfries and Galloway
  • To work to benefit the local economy and the sustainability of local communities 

 

Read our Privacy Policy here.

Read our Environmental Policy here.

Read our Equal Opportunities Policy here.