A NEW charity is being formed to create a cultural scene in Erskine.

Supported by a £100,000 grant from the Scottish Government, Erskine Arts will aim to include people of all ages and from various backgrounds.

For the past 12 years, it has operated as the Erskine Music and Media Studio, based in Bargarran Square, but will now move to a new home at Erskine Sports Centre.

Thanks to further support from Renfrewshire Council and Renfrewshire Leisure, the new charity will be able to bring those with an interest in the arts, such as dance, theatre and writing groups, together so they can work under the same roof.

A £10,000 grant has also been secured through Renfrewshire Council’s Community Empowerment Fund.

Although restrictions put in place as a result of the coronavirus pandemic mean the group’s activities are currently having to take place online, there are ambitious plans to introduce an expanded cultural programme once it is safe to do so.

Ali Whitty, managing director of Erskine Arts, told The Gazette: “We have outgrown our existing community space and are now working with people of all ages and minority groups, as well as those who maybe have disadvantages or barriers to getting involved in culture.

“A lot of people hear the word culture and shy away from it but we are very much looking to create a cultural scene in Erskine.”

The charity has plans for live events, various workshops and free sessions that will encourage people of all ages to embrace culture.

Mr Whitty added: “We are bringing activity back and giving people a reason to come to Erskine. We have lots of ideas.”

For more information, send an email to aliwhitty@erskinearts.co.uk.