A prominent advocate for arts and culture, Kresanna Aigner, has been awarded an MBE for her significant contributions to the Moray community. This recognition, included in the New Year’s Honours List, highlights Aigner’s nearly 14 years of dedication as the founder of Findhorn Bay Arts.
Aigner expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am deeply honoured. It reflects not just my own work, but the dedication, creativity and belief of the artists, colleagues, volunteers, partners and communities who have shaped Findhorn Bay Arts.” She further emphasized that this accolade belongs to everyone who values high-quality culture and acknowledges the importance of creative opportunities in rural areas.
Roots in Moray and a Lifelong Passion for the Arts
Originally from Moray, Aigner has deep personal ties to the area. Her family relocated when she was just ten years old, starting with her aunt and uncle, Sheila and Brian Underwood. They settled in Findhorn, followed by her grandmother and immediate family. Growing up with the Moray Firth and local woodlands as her backdrop, Aigner developed a passion for creativity early in life, inspired by her drama teacher at Forres Academy and experiences with world-class artists.
In 1989, Aigner moved to Edinburgh to study Drama and Community Arts at Telford College. By 1993, she had produced her first showcase, ‘Artistic Upstarts’, at the Gilded Balloon Theatre, featuring over 30 acts in one night, marking the beginning of a diverse 34-year career in the British arts sector.
A Career Driven by Community Engagement
Aigner’s professional journey has included various roles aimed at promoting arts accessibility. She coordinated the Edinburgh touring circuit and worked as a creative director for community performance projects. Her contributions to festivals, such as Assembly at the Edinburgh Fringe and Celtic Connections, further established her reputation in the industry.
In 1999, she relocated to Belfast, where her twins, Jacob and Taylor, were born. Her roles expanded to include audience development and music programming at the Belfast Festival at Queen’s and event management for the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival. Notably, she produced the inaugural Culture Night Belfast, which drew over 25,000 attendees by celebrating more than 100 arts and cultural organizations.
In 2010, Aigner returned to Moray with her family, feeling a strong desire to bring her experiences back to the community that inspired her. In 2012, she founded Findhorn Bay Arts, where she continues to lead its creative vision and strategy. The organization is particularly acclaimed for its biennial Findhorn Bay Festival and ongoing creative projects, which have played a pivotal role in community and cultural regeneration. In 2018, it received the 20th Anniversary SURF Award for Best Practice in Community Regeneration through Creative Regeneration.
Aigner’s family legacy in Moray spans four generations, contributing to her sense of pride in her community. Reflecting on her achievement, she noted, “My parents would have been immensely proud of my MBE in recognition of my contribution to arts and culture.” She also mentioned her aunt, who was previously awarded an MBE for her community service, highlighting the family’s commitment to making a positive impact.
Kresanna Aigner’s MBE serves as a testament to her unwavering dedication to the arts and her community, reinforcing the belief that culture can indeed connect people and strengthen communities.
