Islay Arts Association

Isle of Islay

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Welcome to the Islay Arts Association

Islay ArtsIslay Arts Association (IAA)was set up in 1985 by a group of Islay people, with the aim of bringing high-quality artists for public performances on the island. In its first year IAA presented just two events but ambitious ones – Scottish Opera with “Tosca” and 7:84 Theatre Company with the soon to be iconic “The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black,Black Oil.”

As well as Scottish Opera,  other ‘flagship’ Scottish companies such as the National Theatre of Scotland, Scottish Ballet and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra have performed for us over the years.  Most of the Scottish theatre companies have visited on tour, and many and various classical music events have been held. We have also been delighted to play host to most of the main traditional Scottish musicians and vocalists of recent years.

Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival 2021

The 2021 Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival is an all-streamed event, November 19th-21st, beginning at 18.00hrs on Friday 19th. A series of performances were filmed, with the Lagavulin Malt Mill transformed into a high-tech (Covid secure) studio. Young, new and exciting players came to the island, as well as established Festival favourites, with the highest artistic quality always in mind. The Festival comprises six very different group performances – mostly of approx 50 minutes – plus three short solo shows. A Festival Pass is needed, normally £20 but we are offering a very special discount for full-time Islay residents who can have access to the whole set of streamings for £1 plus small booking fee.

Festival Pass can be obtained from the website www.islayjazzfestival.co.uk Go to the buying point and add the promo code IAA to apply the discount.

The Festival is presented by Jazz Scotland, the U.K.’s largest Jazz Promoters, in partnership with Islay Arts Association, with additional support of Creative Scotland and The Mactaggart Third Fund. Looking forward to a big, live Festival in 2022 and hoping to see you then!

First Upcoming Islay Arts Event

There are no upcoming events.

Islay Jazz Festival

2018 saw the 20th anniversary of the ever popular Islay Jazz Festival. Isay Arts Association works in partnership with Jazz Scotland to bring this prestigious event to Islay. Held in mid-September each year this is a hugely popular 3 day festival with people travelling from near and far to experience the finest Scottish and international jazz musicians in Islay’s beautiful surroundings.

Photos by M. Roberts