Toogs Artist Workshop

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Incase you were wondering, Gaada (pronounced 'Gah-Dah') is a Shetland Dialect word for gaps or holes,

a Gaada tottie is a potato full of holes,

we decided to adopt the humble holey tottie as our logo,

as potatoes helps promote growth in their surrounding soil,

Shetland even has it's own variety of potato (Shetland Black),

so Gaada created a new golden variety just for our members,

more than that though, the humble holey tottie has become a manifestation of Gaada's manifesto, to nourish and support an inclusive ecosystem of artist-led projects in Shetland,

Gaada has even developed a potato based theory of change which continues to inform the way our organisation develops support in Shetland,

so think about that next time your catch yourself staring into the eyes of a potato. It has so much potential.

* Incase you were wondering, Gaada (pronounced 'Gah-Dah') is a Shetland Dialect word for gaps or holes, a Gaada tottie is a potato full of holes, we decided to adopt the humble holey tottie as our logo, as potatoes helps promote growth in their surrounding soil, Shetland even has it's own variety of potato (Shetland Black), so Gaada created a new golden variety just for our members, more than that though, the humble holey tottie has become a manifestation of Gaada's manifesto, to nourish and support an inclusive ecosystem of artist-led projects in Shetland, Gaada has even developed a potato based theory of change which continues to inform the way our organisation develops support in Shetland, so think about that next time your catch yourself staring into the eyes of a potato. It has so much potential.

Gaada* is an artist-led social enterprise which exists to nourish a world-class ecosystem of inclusive artistic activity in Shetland. We believe creativity is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, and that anyone has the potential to thrive when equitable support and resources are accessible.

Our Mission

Gaada is on a 10 year mission is to establish an accessible, world-class creative workshop and project space at the Toogs Artist Workshop. These facilities are brought to life by Gaada’s ambitious place-based cultural programme which includes workshops, events, exhibitions, and publishing.

Providing inclusive opportunities and support to artists in Shetland underpins our activity, and we strive to utilise local conditions to make art happen in ways that are meaningful and relevant to the Shetland isles, its inhabitants and neighbours - our shared histories and future. 

* Read below to find out why we are called Gaada…..