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Forth Valley Art Beat first began in 2010 as Forth Valley Open Studios, with it later forming as Forth Valley Art Beat to encompass its full range of activity. The event continues to be one of the largest cultural events celebrating creativity across the Forth Valley. The event was founded by a small group of artists with Ann Shaw being the driving force in getting the event off the ground and creating a wonderful annual opportunity for artists throughout the community to connect with each other and the wider community.

Avril Nicol is a founding member of Forth Valley Art Beat and has been building and developing the project as Project Co-ordinator since its outset. As well as being event organiser Avril initially participated as an artist from her studio in Larbert, she later opened &Collective Art Gallery in Bridge of Allan before relocating the gallery to Dundas Street, Edinburgh and launching as &Gallery. From 2021 Avril will have a less active role in the day-to-day running of the event, though still being very much involved in her new role as Creative Director.

Rosy Naylor is responsible for overall project organisational work. She has been designer for FVAB since its inception, working closely with Avril on the developing of the event each year. Now as Programme Producer/Curator she guides its future creative development and planning of the event working alongside Avril and other members of the group, with plans for a series of additional projects enhancing the main open studios event going forward, the first of which was the ‘ArtCycle’ programme introduced in 2021. She continues to work as designer, whilst being the main point of contact in all aspects of organising the event. Rosy’s own background founding the Art Walk Porty festival (Edinburgh) brings a wealth of experience to organising events which builds communities around local creativity, and particularly outdoor spaces.

We both look forward to the future direction of FVAB and continuing to work with all artists and creative organisations across the Forth Valley to help strengthen the event going forward.

The 2022 eco-arts & cycling programme is supported by funding from Paths for All COP26 Legacy Fund and Falkirk Council.

Avril Nicol
Creative Director
[email protected]
Tel: 07711 285545

Rosy Naylor
Programme Producer/Curator
[email protected]
Tel: 07941 710304

Ann Shaw
[email protected]
Tel. 07543 671260