Thomas Keyes, Colmcille 1500 celebrations and TURAS

Thomas Keyes, Colmcille 1500 celebrations and TURAS Cromarty and Argyll wide

CHARTS helped to promote Thomas Keyes search for a collaborator, which allowed him to work in partnership with Gaelic expert Dr Michael Newton. CHARTS further supported this working relationship through the Colmcille Legacy Heritage Award, which awarded £1,500 towards the production of a process video that documented the creation of a manuscript. For the manuscript, Michael provided a Gaelic story that Thomas translated into a page, using traditional tools and materials reminiscent of Colmcille, as part of the celebration of his life.  

This project was Thomas’ first move into Gaelic arts, which is now a significant proportion of his practice. From the Colmcille Legacy Heritage Award, Michael and Thomas have now created a close working relationship and have become long-term collaborators. This new network has allowed Thomas to work on two further projects, including a book on Gaelic origin legends with the artwork created with CHARTS forming one of the pages.  

CHARTS has supported this growth by linking Thomas with relevant partners such as The Rockfield Centre, leading to another funded project. CHARTS support led to future opportunities for Thomas, such as securing funding from Glasgow Life’s GUIR! programme and Maoin nan Ealan Gàidhlig. 

“If CHARTS had not provided the network to find my collaborator and then the funding to initiate our project then the most creative and prolific year in my career so far would not have happened.” Thomas Keyes

Main Image: Calumcille ann an Eirinn, Thomas Keyes 2021