The National Theatre of Scotland has commissioned two creative practitioners to undertake a new six-month project within the Scottish care sector.

Following an open-call process earlier in the year, Nicola McCartney and Lucy Gaizley/21 Common have been selected to lead the project, which will see each working with different groups to positively imagine the impact that creative arts can make within a care context across Scotland.

Lucy Gaizely/21Common will explore contemporary care in Scotland working with over the over 70’s and individuals with learning disabilities that have been directly affected by the pandemic. She will work with elders to examine the life-altering impact of the last few months, and through conversational workshops with residents of care homes and individuals who live at home but experience a care service, will aim to create 'living Dioramas' that capture what it is like to be that individual at this time.

Lucy will also work with learning disabled dance artist Ian Johnston to create a new and vibrant online club called Non-Optimum, engaging with a group of people whose essential services have been cut because of the pandemic.

Nicola McCartney will work with young people within or leaving the care system, as well as their carers, to co-curate an interdisciplinary performance project that blends media installation with both digital and live performance.

Following on from the Scottish Government’s Executive Care review, and the “Promise” at its centre, Nicola will embark on a process with each participant that seeks to help them take control of their narratives and, through one-to-one work, help to give voice to their authentic stories of living within the care system. The voices of carers and social workers, whose experiences are often marginalised by the system, will also be integral to the work.

Both projects will result in creative sharings in 2021.

The project is supported by the ScottishPower Foundation, The Rayne Foundation. and Scottish Children's Lottery Chance to Connect.