Urras nan Tursachan (The Standing Stones Trust) has announced Freya Pellie and Jonathan
Doyle will take up the inaugural artists residency at the Calanais Standing Stones.
The residency - which will be an annual programme - aims to foster new learning and
create original works inspired by site, engaging the public and contributing a lasting
legacy piece for the Calanais Visitor Centre.
The pair’s joint proposal involving an outdoor photography and videography project
stood out due to their combined expertise and innovative approach to celebrating
a spectacular phenomenon at Calanais this summer which occurs only every 19 years
or so where the moon appears to skim across the southern horizon as it rises and
sets at its most extreme positions.
Demand was strong for the roles, with over 100 people clamouring to apply from a
wide variety of fields - artists, archaeologists, authors, and digital media specialists
- all eager to explore the unique heritage of Calanais.
Freya is a multidisciplinary performance artist and circus coach, bringing an academic
background in environmental science to her practice. Renowned for her international
performances and teaching in aerial arts, flag poi, and stilt dance. She is a passionate
advocate for social circus and uses performance art to spark interest in the world
around us.
Jonathan is an award-winning adventure photographer and filmmaker with a background
in astrophysics and space science. His work, which includes capturing the Aurora
Borealis and Milky Way, has been featured in publications such as National Geographic
Traveller UK. He is celebrated for his ability to capture the majesty of the night
sky through his lens.
The residency offers the pair - who have been collaborating over the last couple
of years - a unique opportunity to develop new work inspired by the famous megaliths’
significance and relationship to celestial events.
They are set to engage the public through workshops, including an astrophotography
session on June 6, and a circus skills workshop the following day.
On June 14, they will lead a special community co-creation event involving light
painting with LED props.
So as not to interfere with the public’s enjoyment of the remarkable spectacle of
the full moon’s low passage across the sky during the lunar standstill, no activities
will take place from 11-13 June.
Their work will produce a legacy piece for the Calanais Visitor Centre, contributing
to original interpretations of the site.
"We were very impressed by the depth and breadth of talent among all 112 applicants,
reflecting the widespread fascination with Calanais," said Dr Alison Sheridan, board
member of Urras nan Tursachan, the charity that runs the Calanais Visitor Centre.
"Freya and Jonathan's innovative approach, blending performance, photography, and
scientific understanding, perfectly embodies the spirit of this residency. We are
excited to see the new perspectives they will bring to the standing stones for the
benefit of the local community and visitors alike."
"It's a privilege to be the first artists-in-residence at Calanais," said Freya and
Jonathan.
"This site is so inspirational. We look forward to creating work that not only celebrates
Calanais but also inspires a deeper connection to this extraordinary place among
all who engage with it."
Shooting for the moon: Two talented artists selected for Calanais Stones residency
26 May 2025
