About CREW
Where Creativity Comes Alive
In the heart of Auchterarder stands a remarkable 1926 Art Deco cinema, and within its walls lives an even more remarkable story—one of community, creativity, and the magic that happens when people support each other’s dreams.
CREW is where anyone can discover their creative potential, regardless of age, experience, or background. We believe that you can do anything if you have a community to support you.
Our Story
What started with curiosity about a boarded-up building has become a thriving creative community that’s transformed Auchterarder’s cultural landscape.
In 2020, when the charity’s founder first stepped into the forgotten cinema and saw its hidden Art Deco beauty, he knew this space could become something special again. But not just as a cinema – as a creative hub where the whole community could come together, just as people did when the picture house first opened nearly a century ago.
Since then, we’ve grown from three artists in a corner exhibition to showcasing 30+ creators in sold-out events. We’ve transformed first-time actors into confident performers, launched book festivals that bring renowned authors to our small town, and created immersive theater that leaves audiences amazed.
From our traveling cinema that reaches communities across the region to our miniature painting sessions where Space Marines meet master artists, we’ve proven that when you don’t do things by halves, extraordinary things happen.
Listen to CREW founder Peter Laisen recount the story of the CREW (from podcast Art Against Mental Illness).
What We Do
CREW Arts • Our vibrant community of artists, from watercolor beginners to established painters, creates stunning exhibitions and collaborative projects. Whether you’ve never held a paintbrush or you’ve been creating for decades, you’ll find your place here.
CREW Drama • From intimate workshops to ambitious immersive productions like “Spectres of the Cinema,” our drama group proves that everyone has a performer inside them waiting to be discovered. Behind the scenes or center stage, there’s a role for you.
Listen to CREW Drama leaders Tom and Leslie talk about the groups ethos and ambition (from podcast Art Against Mental Illness).
CREW Books • Our cozy creative hub houses a thriving secondhand bookshop and hosts everything from author talks to the annual Auchterarder Book Festival. Whether you love reading, writing, or mystery book wraps, you’ll discover new literary adventures.
CREW Words • Poetry, storytelling, creative writing, and our popular “Stanzalone” open mic nights every last Wednesday of the month. Bring your five minutes of fame—or just come to be inspired by others.
CREW Cinema • Our traveling cinema brings the magic of the movies directly to communities across the region, complete with bean bags for the kids and popcorn for everyone. From classics to contemporary, we create memorable movie experiences.
CREW Games • Our newest group embraces all forms of gaming creativity, from miniature painting workshops for Warhammer figures to board games and everything in between. No experience necessary—just bring your enthusiasm.
Our Mission
We exist to support anyone who needs or could benefit from a creative journey. That journey might be:
- Discovering hidden talents you never knew you had
- Building confidence through supportive community
- Learning new skills in a welcoming environment
- Finding your tribe of like-minded creative spirits
- Sharing your expertise with others just starting out
- Creating something amazing you never thought possible
We remove the barriers that stop people from pursuing creativity—whether that’s lack of confidence, resources, knowledge, or simply not knowing where to start. At CREW, everyone is welcome, everything is possible, and no dream is too small or too ambitious.
Our Impact
200+ active community members across all our groups
Thousands of visitors to our more than 150 exhibitions, shows, and events
30+ local artists showcased and supported
Multiple Events each attracting 1000+ people
Award-winning collaborations with national arts organizations
Local students winning the Young Philanthropy Initiative supporting the CREW charity project
Multiple community partnerships from schools to scout groups
But the numbers only tell part of the story. Our real impact is in the transformed lives: the retiree who discovered acting, the child whose creativity is nurtured, the artist who finally shared their work, the volunteer who found their purpose, and the community member who realised they belong.
Getting Involved
There are many ways to become part of the CREW community:
Join a Group • Explore our creative communities and find where your interests and passions fit. Never tried something before? Perfect – we love beginners.
Volunteer • Help make the magic happen behind the scenes. From setting up exhibitions to welcoming visitors, there’s a volunteer role that matches your skills and availability.
Participate • Attend our events, visit our exhibitions, come to our shows. Your presence and enthusiasm energize our entire community.
Lead • Have an idea for a new creative activity or group? We love supporting ambitious dreamers who want to share their passion with others.
Contribute • Whether it’s time, skills, or resources, every contribution helps us remove barriers and support more creative journeys.
Our Commitment
- 100% inclusive • Everyone belongs here, regardless of age, experience, or background
- Barrier-free creativity • Financial circumstances will never prevent participation
- Quality experiences • We believe in doing things well and exceeding expectations
- Community first • Everything we do strengthens the bonds between people
- Accessible excellence • Ambitious goals achieved through grassroots community spirit
Our Home
The beautiful 1926 Auchterarder Picturehouse serves as both our inspiration and our base. While we eagerly await its full restoration, we’re already bringing it to life through pop-up events, creative workshops, and community gatherings. Meanwhile, our activities happen throughout Auchterarder and beyond—in community halls, schools, and wherever creativity calls.
Our creative hub within the cinema already houses our thriving bookshop and workshop space, proving that this historic building’s future is as bright as its Art Deco past.
Join Our Story
CREW isn’t just about what we’ve accomplished – it’s about what we’ll create together next. Whether you want to try something new, return to a forgotten passion, or share your skills with others, you’ll find your place in our creative community.
After all, you can do anything if you have a community to support you.
Ready to discover what you’re capable of?
Contact us at info@auchterarderpicturehouse.co.uk or visit aphcrew.co.uk to get started.
CREW is a registered Scottish charity dedicated to supporting creative journeys and building community through the arts.
