Following the resignation of the majority of Equity’s Scottish Committee some twelve months ago, a new association has been formed by a group of creatives from the performing arts.
Named Cairn, inspired by cairns, a collective undertaking built and maintained and offering guidance, direction and shelter, the association plans to register for trade union recognition.
Future development of the organisation will depend on the wishes of its membership as it will operate democratically and with transparency. Membership is open to those working in the performing arts or related trades, including actors, dancers, directors, designers, theatre producers and managers, models, voice artists and stage managers.
Carole Anders, an actor for over 25 years, said, “I’m joining Cairn because I think actors and arts practitioners in Scotland need their own identity, their own voice and, to my mind, having our own union will bring us a step closer to the cultural independence many of us have wanted for a long time. I cannot wait to have my Cairn card in my pocket.”
Cairn will work to improve its members’ working conditions, raise awareness of their contribution to the cultural landscape, public life and Scotland’s economy (estimated to be in excess of £5 billion annually).
Membership of Cairn will be £60 a year; graduate membership will be £30 and there will be other joining schemes.
The team behind Cairn represent many theatre disciplines. They are Andy Clark, Julie Coombe, Kirstin McLean, Laura Cameron-Lewis, Beth Marshall, Stephen Clyde, Elaine MacKenzie Ellis, John Sampson, Sandra McNeeley, Claire Lamont, Harrison MacNeill, John MacIsaac and Adam McNamara.