See also An Lanntair

Opened in March 1985 An Lanntair is the first public gallery in the Western Isles. It developed to arts centre status in 1989. Based in premises in Stornoway Town Hall, the organisation will move to a major new building in 2005.

The remit is local, national and international. Contemporary with an emphasis on local and locally relevant work in the summer. There is no policy on the exact ratio of rental as opposed to curated shows although this tends to be in the region of 3:1. Ordinarily there would be 12 shows per annum (based on a monthly programme) but it is intended that this be modified to 6 – 8 shows per annum in the new building.

The gallery is only available for hire on a short term basis

An Lanntair promotes the visual arts and have toured exhibitions to national and international acclaim. The performing arts programme includes traditional, classical, jazz, rock and world music; alongside touring, commissioned and community theatre. Gaelic events showcase the rich cultural heritage of the area.

An Lanntair have developed a range of Education and Outreach arts activity with children and young people in communities and with schools. And there have been long-term activity projects for people with disabilities and mental health difficulties. They do not have facilities for residencies at present and do not administer funding schemes. Publications tend to accompany exhibition projects. These include As an Fhearann: From the Land (edited by Malcolm Maclean 1986), Togail Tir Marking Time (1989); Acts of Faith Steve Dilworth 1992; Calanais The Atlantic Stones (1995); Grey Weighted Notes Doanld Urquhart 1997.

The organisation does not have a set policy on international work. They take each case on its merits and have an open mind. They have toured exhibitions to Canada, France and Slovakia. They have also hosted international events and undertaken exchanges with the Moscow Caledonian Society, which involved the Rostov Balalaika, the Moscow Chamber Orchestra and the Tchaikovsky String Quartet. A touring party of Gaelic musicians went to Moscow. This is a relationaship which they hope to continue.

With a shop and cafe, facilities and resources will improve and increase dramatically with the advent of the new arts centre in late 2005.