The Light a Beacon campaign in support of the new Headquarters for the National Theatre of Scotland (NTS) named Rockvilla has already raised more than £75,000. More than 50 Beacons have already been lit by donors from Foula in Shetland in the North, to Portpatrick in the South. Streets, beaches, towns, airports, much loved places, and unique Scottish landmarks including the Italian Chapel in Orkney, Balevullin Beach and the Edinburgh Drill Hall (where the National Theatre of Scotland’s internationally acclaimed Black Watch was first performed) have all been illuminated by supporters of the Rockvilla campaign.
The NTS today reveals for the first time the look and unique interactive function of the digital version of a specially-commissioned artwork, based on the map of Scotland which acknowledges, in a visually striking and interactive way, each supporter of the Light a Beacon campaign.
The artwork’s striking ‘physical’ counterpart will be created to sit in the entrance foyer of Rockvilla, the Company’s first purpose-built facility currently taking shape on the Speirs Wharf regeneration area of Glasgow, designed by award-winning architects Hoskins. Both versions of the map have been designed by the award-winning Glasgow-based creative team at Pidgin Perfect.
Each creation will feature the names of supporters together with their messages of dedication. The online version of the map has the advantage of giving supporters from all over the world the opportunity to repeatedly visit their Beacon, with a special function enabling viewers to zoom in on individual Beacons and read supporters’ comments about why they have chosen to light up that particular place.
The map design draws its inspiration from the NTS’ inaugural productions, ten years ago in 2005, each entitled Home, simultaneously performed in 10 locations from Shetland to Dumfries. This remarkable theatrical launch was widely likened to the ancient flaming beacons that would light up the Scottish landscape, connecting communities far and wide.
The total estimated project cost for the new building is £6.475 million. Over £4.9 million has been secured to date, £1.8million of which has been raised through philanthropic sources including Trusts, Foundations and Individual gifts.
The Rockvilla Light a Beacon campaign was launched in October 2015, with support from Iain McDiarmid, Blythe Duff, Greg Hemphill, Alan Cumming and Lorraine McIntosh, all of whom have performed with the NTS.
The planned move to Rockvilla in October 2016 chimes with the Company’s 10th birthday.
Light a Beacon map can be viewed here: www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/rockvilla