At the Root Arts CIC is an arts organisation based in West Lothian working to amplify and empower the voices of different communities, people and places through the creative arts.
hey, welcome to at the root arts!
the place where confidence grows
Who we are
At the Root Arts CIC is a grassroots community interest company based in West Lothian. We create inclusive, welcoming spaces where children, young people, and communities can express themselves, build confidence, and feel a true sense of belonging through the creative arts. Our work brings together various elements of the creative arts including drama, dance, musical theatre, storytelling and film.
Our mission is simple: to create spaces where voices and people feel heard, empowered and amplified. We believe that everyone deserves access to the arts, regardless of ability, experience or background.
At the heart of everything we do are our core values:
Creativity: encouraging imagination, self-expression, and new ideas
Community: building strong, supportive connections where everyone belongs
Confidence: empowering individuals to believe in themselves and their abilities
We are committed to creating environments that are caring, nurturing, inclusive, and safe for all.
Our story
At the Root Arts began life as the Regal Youth Company, based at the Regal Community Theatre, where young people came together to explore theatre and performance. Over five years, this grew into At the Root Theatre, building a strong foundation of creativity and community.
In 2024, the journey evolved into At the Root Arts CIC. Matthew Swan, Becca Lamont and Martine Browne came together to form the CIC and started a new chapter in the story - expanding our reach, strengthening our impact, and continuing a ten year journey of empowering voices through the arts.
What we do
At the Root Arts delivers creative arts programmes for children, young people, and communities across West Lothian, including weekly classes, holiday camps, and performance projects. Through drama, music, dance, and film, we provide engaging, participant-led opportunities where individuals can develop skills, express themselves, and build confidence.
From inclusive programmes like Elevate to large-scale experiences like Summer of Play, everything we do is designed to be accessible, creative, and rooted in the needs of the communities we serve.
Looking ahead
As we continue to grow, our aim is to expand opportunities for children and young people in West Lothian and beyond. We are committed to developing new programmes, building partnerships, and making even more spaces where creativity can truly thrive.
When moving forward we will commit to being truly rooted in the communities working with and for. Our ultimate aim is to make people's lives better through taking part in creative and fun activities.