What is Common Ground, Scotland?

Common Ground Scotland
Ayrshire, Scotland, 3rd - 10th August 2008

Common Ground Scotland will again be part of the 'Living Tradition Summer Schools' in 2008. The venue has changed since last year, we will no longer be using Glaisnock House. The new venue is in Dumfries & Galloway - it is a fabulous venue and despite the venue change being forced upon us, we anticipate it being a wonderful move. We will be making detailed announcements about the venue shortly. find our more about Living Tradition Summer Schools

Common Ground, Scotland is a Summer School for The Traditional Arts. It is much more than a series of workshops, or masterclasses, or concerts, or dances, or festival - although it will be all of these and more. Tutors, performers and participants will come from both sides of the Atlantic, giving people the opportunity to learn about their cultures both on their home ground and as visitors from a related tradition - the best of Scottish fiddle music alongside the Old Time Music of Appalachia being just one example.

Some people will see Common Ground as a festival, though it will be more relaxed and less pressured than the normal hectic routine of a festival. Others may see it as a real learning opportunity or a source of inspiration for the long winter nights of practice on their instrument. Others may see it as a great holiday with plenty of interesting things on the menu. Others will see it as a place to make friendships that span national and cultural divides. However you view it, it will be an opportunity to meet people with similar interests and to share a wonderful week where music and the arts will be the 'Common Ground'.

Our links with Common Ground on the Hill, USA

Walt Michael - was the main source of inspiration behind the founding of Common Ground Scotland. As a student during the 1960's at Western Maryland College, Walt went to Appalachia with the Student Opportunities Service to do community action work and to parts of the Deep South to take part in voter registration campaigns. Whilst working with America's poor and disenfranchised, he encountered the power and beauty of traditional music.

For the past thirty years Walt has led a variety of musical ensembles, performing throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. While teaching a course in roots music during the January Term at WMC in 1993, Walt conceived the idea for Common Ground on the Hill. As its Executive and Artistic Director, he leads Common Ground on the Hill towards its stated goal of seeking racial and cultural harmony through the arts.

Mission Statement

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