This display of artwork was created in response to Orkney Island Council’s community wide consultation across the County.

With financial assistance from the Scottish Government Rural Communities Testing Change Fund, the Orkney Matters team at Orkney Islands Council commissioned the Pier Arts Centre to deliver a series of creative workshops for groups within the community and a ‘tool kit’ for schools to be able to contribute to the process.

The aim of the workshops was to provide an informal setting for those who might feel less confident in expressing their thoughts and whose voices may not always be heard.

The creative sessions were led by artists Carole Aitkin, Leila Dearness, Katherine Diaper, Laura Drever, Samantha Gray and India Whitwell who worked with groups across Orkney, including the Youth Café, Women’s Aid Children & Young People’s programme, Harray WI, Orkney’s Upside Downs, as well as family and well-being groups.

The voices of Orkney’s school pupils are reflected in a series of artworks from Stromness Primary; Papdale; Shapinsay; Westray; North Ronaldsay; Rousay, Egilsay & Wyre; Orphir and Dounby.

The display also includes the ‘visual minutes’ captured by illustrator Britt Harcus of the wider consultation process.