There will be opportunities to learn and develop your skills and to cross some boundaries and try something new. Whether you are a beginner or expert, the common thread will be quality and you will have the chance to learn from musicians and teachers of the highest calibre.

At Common Ground there will be a mix of cultures and music, but the aim is not to try to create an homogenous mix, rather to explore and celebrate the diversity. You make take the opportunity to be part of a 'Black Gospel Choir' or by attending the 'Non Violence' sessions, gain an insight into the social background of the songs that had such an influence on our own folk revival in the fifties and sixties.

If you current instrument is Scots fiddle you may want to take a masterclass in that, or learn a related style, or become a beginner in a different instrument entirely. There will also be visual arts and crafts and 'human arts and special gatherings' and a full programme of music, dance, drama and crafts for Children. And, to crown it all, at the end of the workshop week, a Festival, at which many of the tutors and other invited guests will perform.

Underpinning Common Ground on the Hill is an opportunity for dialogue about racism, a problem that is endemic in all societies. As a student during the 1960's at Western Maryland College, Walt Michael, the Director of Common Ground in the USA, 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.

Our personal experience of Common Ground in the USA is that brings a wonderful mix of people together. In the summer of 2001, Pete Seeger took part and provided some wonderfully inspirational moments, but these moments were part of a wider experience that touched people in so many different ways. Common Ground has attracted the attention of The Martin Luther King Foundation, has attracted groupings of musicians and artists that would be unaffordable at any commercial event. Common Ground has inspired people to make a difference in their communities and has directly led to the foundation of 'The Ira & Mary Zepp Center for Nonviolence' within Western Maryland College.

We encourage you to be part of Common Ground Scotland - not primarily because it has the potential to change your perceptions, make a difference in your community or even change the world in some small way, but because it will be fun and will be a great celebration of the Arts.

Information about the organisers