“Being a  Constellation Artist has given us the ability to ‘be in the room’. This means that we have been present in discussions that we are not normally included in. This not only makes it easier for us to package our work in ways in which festivals will find easier to programme, but it also opens a dialogue that makes us, as artists, partners in the discussion, as opposed to being just a resource for the festival, ultimately giving us agency in how our work is presented.”

Adam York Gregory & Gillian Jane Lees

The Artist Constellation is a development framework that seeks to nourish the festival, its programming and ethos, as well as contribute to the development of some of Scotland’s most innovative artists. We ask, as an artist focussed organisation, what does a festival of the future look like? How can a festival use its reputation to propel forward international opportunities for artists? How can we support not just artists but our dynamic Scottish Producers, strengthening their networks? With the loss of an arts venue for artists to work and congregate, what other 'spaces' can be created to ensure community spirit and the exchange of ideas and knowledge between artists?

The constellation ran a pilot with 7 artists between 2019-2021. In its current form it is the start of a journey. It’s a project that will grow with the needs of the artists both in the constellation and without. In this first iteration we met formally four times a year with informal connections throughout the year. We provided resource for artists to travel and experience work across the globe that speaks to their own interests. We believe that there is only so much good that can come from ‘Arts Managers’ meeting other ‘Arts Managers’ and endeavour to send artists as professional delegates to festivals across the world advocating for themselves, their peers and Take Me Somewhere, bringing back their experience and knowledge.

We supported artist to artist relationships that were ignited from these trips and gatherings. We helped fundraise to support international collaboration and creation. Constellation artists have travelled from Montreal and Vancouver to Johannesburg.

The constellation is currently paused whilst we reflect and seek long-term support. If you would like to speak to us about the constellation please email connect@takemesomewhere.co.uk.

Between 2019 -2021 our Artist Constellation members were: Gillian Jane Lees & Adam York Gregory, Mele Broomes, Peter McMaster, Lucy Gaizely (21Common) and Rosana Cade & Ivor MacCaskill.

We want to thank all seven artists whose presence, creativity, and thoughtfulness inform Take Me Somewhere. We also want to thank our partners who have supported the project, thus far these include Outspoken Arts, National Theatre of Scotland and The Workroom.

“TMS providing one to one support has been wonderful. It's my first time having any kind of mentorship and/or focused conversation on any aspects of my work with an attention to support my development. This has given me some space and support in moving my current project forward. Help me understand my worth in working in the arts in Scotland. I have always been confident in my ideas and believe I have generated a lot within the sector and now feel I have a greater understanding in how to realise projects going forward. Looking at the essential support systems, infrastructure and team building. I hope I can now go on to realise my ideas and support others in developing their work and contribution to the current social and political conversations in a healthy way.”

Mele Broomes