GRAFTIN’ – We’re all about working hard but on something you are passionate about. Let’s collaborate on honing your skills in your chosen creative path, whether you are an artist, producer, event tech or simply passionate about the arts and their impact on your community.
GIGGIN’ – Let’s showcase what we’ve created together. We’ll hook you up with performance and event opportunities at some of the most happening hotspots in our region and beyond.
GROWIN’ – It’s your time to grow! Take everything you’ve learned and become the creative professional you were meant to be!
Meet the crew behind UP YER AIRTS.
Liam Russell is a creative producer based in Dumfries and Galloway. Liam has been the creative lead behind the development of UP YER AIRTS over the last four years. Joining the Dumfries & Galloway Arts Festival team amidst the global pandemic, he has used his creativity and innovation to steer and build the project from the ground up, with a programme of engaging, accessible opportunities planned for 2024. Liam has built UP YER AIRTS to be a vehicle for experiential learning opportunities designed to give young people a platform to explore their creative practice, and plan for a future career in the creative industries.
Liam is also the Founder of Stomping Ground Creative, a company dedicated to providing music production and education services in Dumfries and Galloway.
Aisling (Ash) has worked professionally in the creative industry for a number of years, splitting her time between Dumfries and Galloway and Edinburgh. Aisling has been a part of the Up Yer Airts Team for almost three years, having started as an intern in 2023. Her role within the organisation was quickly made permanent, and she took on additional responsibility working with Liam on the brand identity and launch of youth initiative UP YER AIRTS. Aisling is also the Creative Producer of Performance Collective Stranraer, another important youth organisation for the region's cultural scene. Prior to her work with Arts D&G, Aisling secured her First Class Honours Degree in Drama at Queen Margaret University, and worked freelance as a Producer in and around Edinburgh, including at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Cerys brings with her a broad and grounded creative practice, shaped by both formal study and hands on experience across the sector.
Based in the region, she is already deeply
connected to the creative life of Dumfries and Galloway, with a background that spans music, visual art, photography and event production.
A graduate of the University of the West of
Scotland with an honours degree in Commercial Music. Cerys has developed a skillset which reflects the realities of working in and alongside creative communities. Her work moves easily between disciplines, from gig photography and artist support to developing and producing live events. At the centre of this is a clear commitment to creating opportunities for others and building platforms where creativity can be shared and experienced.
This is perhaps most visible in her role as founder and director of Hidden Gem Festival. A Dumfries based music festival celebrating local venues, artists and audiences. Built from a love of the region's music scene and the spaces that sustain it, the festivals growing into a platform for both emerging and established artists creating opportunities to perform, connect and develop.
Conall Anderson is a creative manager from Dumfries. Since moving to Glasgow in late 2020, he has gained experience in a variety of roles across music including live event work, gig promotion/booking and band management. Joining the UP YER AIRTS team in early 2026, Conall assists in the development of young artists as they enter the music industry.
Mr Pig is the backbone of the UP YER AIRTS team. In exchange for the odd biscuit, he ensures team morale is kept at its peak on the daily. With his background predominantly in the outdoor performing arts sector, Mr Pig is skilled in the art of SIT, ROLLOVER, PAW, SPIN and many other complicated manoeuvres. Mr Pig will not respond to emails but may accept fan mail.
We are grateful to our funders, who make the work we do possible. With their help, we are able to support young people to realise their potential in Dumfries and Galloway.
