Blairgowrie and Rattray arts showcase is just BRAW!

Learning new skills, connecting with people, laughing and being creative are all known to boost a sense of wellbeing, and the It’s BRAW! – Blairgowrie and Rattray Arts for Wellbeing – festival aims to give people in the town a chance to experience just that. 

It’s BRAW! runs throughout the year and highlights the wealth of creative talent in the area while at the same time supporting the wellbeing of people in the local community and beyond by providing opportunities to participate in arts, crafts, music and drama activities. 

The volunteer-run initiative culminates in a month-long programme of fabulous activities every year during August, hosted by artists and creatives and encouraging people to try out new skills and hobbies and giving professional artists the opportunity to showcase their skills.

There are crafts-based workshops where participants can try their hand at various different skills, there are talks and demonstrations, musical performances featuring local performers and groups, taster sessions, and opportunities to enjoy the latest entertaining productions from award-winning local amateur dramatic groups. 

The popular Rattray Art Festival, which celebrates the talent and skills of local creative artists and features hundreds of original paintings and unique hand-crafted artworks and ceramics, is also part of It’s BRAW, and raises money for worthwhile causes every year with 20 per cent of sales made during the event generously donated to designated charities by the artists. 

And as part of the showcase month, a number of businesses in the town centre take part in a ‘BRAW windows of Blair’ competition, bringing a splash of colour to Blairgowrie during the festival. 

The idea is that by providing a packed programme of events during the showcase month, as many people as possible are able to get involved and experience the wealth of creative arts and activities that take place in Blairgowrie and Rattray - and maybe even try something new.

With everything from jewellery making to ukulele playing, murder mysteries to mosaic making, and painting to playing, there is something BRAW for everyone to enjoy. 

For further details, follow ‘It’s BRAW Blairgowrie & Rattray Arts for Wellbeing’ on facebook.