Shetland Arts

As a multi-art form development organisation serving the Shetland community, Shetland Arts faced significant challenges including COVID-19 recovery, economic pressures, and community scrutiny. Through one-to-one support from the CultureXcelerator programme, Shetland Arts gained critical, outside-in perspectives, refining its strategic focus and enhancing its ability to articulate social impact.

The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a severe blow to Shetland Arts, disrupting operations, reducing audiences, and increasing financial strain. This was shortly followed by the rising cost of living impacting both the organisation and its community. While navigating these challenges, the organisation's leadership was conscious of both the financial pressures and the critical feedback from a vocal segment of the local community, which impacted staff morale and created a desire for an independent, external perspective.

CEO Graeme Howell discovered the CultureXcelerator programme via a recommendation from Creative Scotland and Shetland Arts' participation in the programme proved to be a timely intervention. The CultureXcelerator programme designed and delivered by Social Investment Scotland (SIS), provides up to four days of tailored support from one of SIS’ expert associates.

Through focused one-to-one support from SIS Associate Marcella Boyle, Shetland Arts gained critical, outside-in perspectives, refining its strategic focus and enhancing its ability to articulate social impact. 

Importantly, Marcella's role as a ‘critical friend’ was instrumental in providing an external perspective and challenging existing assumptions in a supportive environment. Her expertise in the social economy was particularly valuable in refining Shetland Arts' pre-existing framework of six social outcomes, enabling the organisation to more effectively articulate its contributions to the community, funders and wider stakeholders in measurable terms.

The CultureXcelerator programme bolstered Shetland Arts' existing capabilities, providing the tools and knowledge to navigate a complex and challenging economic environment. By strengthening its business planning and social impact measurement capabilities, the organisation is better positioned to secure future funding and demonstrate its value to the community.

While the full impact of the programme will unfold over time, the initial results are promising. Shetland Arts has gained a clearer sense of direction and is better equipped to address future challenges. The programme has also contributed to building the organisation's resilience and adaptability. Marcella connected Shetland Arts with her network of subject matter experts and the organisation is currently working with these recommended consultants to enhance its digital communication strategies and support organisational learning and development.