CAN Van @ Dumfries & Galloway

 This spring, Circular Arts Network (CAN) embarked on an exciting journey through the beautiful Dumfries & Galloway region with our CAN Van—a big white van brimming with arts and crafts supplies, materials, and tools. Over two vibrant days, we hosted sharing events at four distinct locations: Gracefield Arts Centre, Catstrand in New Galloway, The Millienium Centre in Stranraer, and Eco Arts in Kirkcudbright. These events were more than just a chance to exchange materials; they were a celebration of creativity, community, and sustainability.

A Journey of Sharing and Exchange

Our journey began on May 9th at Gracefield Arts Centre, where the CAN Van was greeted by enthusiastic artists and makers eager to participate in our swap shop on wheels. From 10 am to 12 pm, the air buzzed with excitement as attendees exchanged unwanted art materials and tools. With the energy building,  the tone was set for the rest of the journey.

That afternoon, we headed to Catstrand in New Galloway, continuing our mission from 2 pm to 4 pm. The scenic drive between locations only added to the experience, showcasing the natural beauty of Dumfries & Galloway. The community at Catstrand welcomed us warmly, and the exchanges continued with fervor.

The following day, May 10th, saw the CAN Van arriving at The Millienium Centre in Stranraer. From 10 am to 12 pm, the space was alive with artists and makers, each contributing to and benefiting from the circular economy. The final stop of our journey was at Eco Arts in Kirkcudbright, where we held our event from 2 pm to 4 pm. This picturesque location provided a fitting backdrop for the culmination of our tour.

Highlights and Heartfelt Thanks

The CAN Van events were a resounding success, marked by the generosity and enthusiasm of all who participated. We were thrilled to receive a variety of donations, including a potter’s wheel, high-grade willow, and an abundance of fabric and textile supplies. It was truly inspiring to see the circular economy in action, with materials finding new homes and purposes.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the tour was meeting so many talented and passionate individuals. The connections made and the materials exchanged are a testament to the strength and vibrancy of the creative community in Dumfries & Galloway.

We are immensely grateful to Upland for their invaluable support and assistance in organizing this trip. Their partnership was crucial in making the CAN Van tour a reality, and we look forward to collaborating with them on future initiatives.

Looking Ahead

The success of the CAN Van tour has encouraged us to build on this model as we continue to support sustainable practices in various regions. The positive feedback and enthusiastic participation in Dumfries & Galloway have set a promising precedent for future endeavors.

We would like to extend a massive thank you to everyone who came out to our events, donated materials, and shared in the spirit of creativity and sustainability. Your support and participation are what make initiatives like the CAN Van possible

 

Join Us on Our Journey

As we reflect on this successful tour, we are already planning our next steps. Where should the CAN Van go next? We invite you to share your suggestions and stay connected with us on social media for updates on our upcoming events.

Thank you once again to Upland CIC, Gracefield Arts Centre, Catstrand, The Millienium Centre, and Eco Arts for hosting us. Together, we are making a difference, one exchange at a time.

Stay creative, stay sustainable, and let’s keep the circular economy thriving!

#CircularEconomy #ReuseRecycle #DumfriesAndGalloway #CANVan

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