Hello, I just wanted to come on here to say a few words of reflection about our work this year. Firstly I want to thank everyone in our community and friends who have continued to support and engage with us. It means so much to me and our team that we have been able to continue this journey to represent and support those in our community across Scotland. I feel that even though we are finishing up our third year as a small organisation, we are still learning and growing and navigating this industry. It’s a major learning curve for us, and it means everything to have you supporting our efforts in terms of meaningful representation, care and career development for those who we support and work with.

  
This industry is made up of a lot of kind, generous and special individuals. I want to say a special thanks to Halina Rifai, and Arusa Qureshi, two phenomenal women in this industry who have given up their time and energy not only to We Are Here Scotland and the amazing AMPLIFI series, but they are also amazing advocates, and are always amplifying others with kindness, care, and grace. They are real change-makers in this industry, and I look forward to continuing to work with them both.  Also, a big shout out to our friend Bemz who continues to thrive in Scotland’s music industry. We love to see all that he has achieved and done this year, and we know that his career will continue to thrive and flourish in 2024.

I'd also like to say a huge welcome to Matt Hickman aka Brownbear another talented and hardworking musician in Scotland who has come aboard our team to help deliver and facilitate our Creative Balance Project. Having Matt on board is reassuring to us as we know that he will bring the support, care and guidance that is required for our community in the development of this project. I would also like to thank our various project partners for this year, Look Again Aberdeen for our Artist Commissions partnership, Aberdeen Performing Arts for our joint work for Rise Up Festival, and Queens Hall, Edinburgh for the AMPLIFI Series. We have also forged new relationships and partnerships with artists and creatives this year, and we are looking forward to seeing how this will grow and evolve into 2024.

This year has also presented several challenges for our community both at home and internationally. Whilst we can reflect on our positive achievements. It’s also important to recognise that across the world whether that be in Palestine, the Congo, Yemen, Rwanda, Sudan and other territories facing suppression and colonisation. We are all hurting and trying to make sense of an unfair and unjust world.  As a Black and PoC-led organisation we will always stand in solidarity and support people who are oppressed and marginalised, whether that be in Scotland or further afield. We believe that our collective voices are needed more so than ever, and we will continue to use our voice whenever we can in support of our community. We have also added several useful links in our bio of organisations who are supporting our communities internationally.
  
Moving forward I try to see 2024 as an opportunity for us to work more collaboratively with one another as a means of collectively challenging various systems of oppression. It’s very apparent that the old ways of working and the current structures in place do not meet or serve our needs in the long-term. We don’t have the answers for everything, but we know that it’s important to start small, start local, and to create our own spaces for our community in this industry.  

No matter what you’re doing at this time of year I think that it’s important that we also take time out to embrace rest, and care for ourselves whenever we can. Because this year has been a lot for so many of us and we truly deserve the time to heal and rest physically, mentally and emotionally. We look forward to coming back in the New Year and continuing the work that we set out to do back in 2020. Thanks for your continued support 

Peace and Love 
Ica Headlam (Founder)
We Are Here Scotland