At the heart of The Merse is a belief that the arts bring people together and can be used as a tool to tackle issues of social isolation, mental health and sustainable wellbeing - issues that can affect all members of our community. Thoughtfully designed arts-based engagement supports community resilience and connection, as well as the creative economy. One of our key aims is to inspire and prepare local young people for viable career paths in the creative industries, providing a chance to learn alongside local professionals, and to support self-expression and creativity in a way that nurtures a strong sense of self and fosters deep connections to their hometown. The broader benefits of creative thinking include resilience, innovation, and problem-solving skills which can apply to every area of life and are increasingly relevant in all employment sectors. The Merse is intended to be a place of entertainment, creativity, social engagement, and connection to the arts.

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​But wait! It's not only creative arts at The Merse

For many years, The Merse was Wigtown's church hall and a venue for all sorts of community events from sporting activities to birthday parties, from coffee mornings to toddler groups. Regular users including the local badminton club, karate club, table tennis club, and toddler group are happily continuing their use of the space, and there will be additions to these activities as we welcome new user groups and regular bookings. You can find our more about booking The Merse by heading over to the Venue & Bookings page.