Support Us

WRITE at The Stove Cafe

March 5 @ 7:00 pm 9:00 pm

Write poster, with a colourful horizontal stipe through the middle of a beige background

Welcome to WRITE! Join us at our monthly creative writing workshop with author Karl Drinkwater.

WRITE! is all about letting your imagination guide your hand. In each session we’ll chat about a writing-related topic, then provide prompts and a theme. Then attendees are given the opportunity to write based on the inspiration. It might be a character sketch, or a piece of description or dialogue. The key thing is that it will be your words. They’d never have been born if you’d stayed at home that night.

The short piece you write could be practice or a creative outlet. However, it could become the seed of a short story or part of a longer work. We end each friendly and informal session. With the opportunity for some people to read out what they wrote, as a celebration of the new words.

Sessions are expertly guided by thought-provoking prompts, offering dedicated time for free-flowing expression. Afterward, participants have the opportunity to share their creations within supportive groups. They can receive valuable tips to enhance their writing skills and boost confidence. Whether you’re rediscovering the joy of the creative process or seeking inspiration for your existing project, Write fosters a collaborative and experimental environment. Fuel your next big project with the friendly encouragement and creative energy that defines Write.

Open to: everyone! It doesn’t matter whether you’ve never written anything before, or if you’re an established author looking for a brief shot of espresso creativity. It’s not a course, so you can attend any or all sessions, as you wish.

So come along. We’ll provide the inspiration and a supportive group of new friends. All you need to do is bring your pen*, engage your heid, and write!

(* Of course it’s fine to bring a laptop or gadget instead of a pen and paper. Words are words, whatever the medium!)

The Stove Cafe will be serving drinks and nibbles from 6.30pm – 7pm

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: As WRITE! is a very popular event, you must pre-book via Eventbrite to secure a place at this workshop.

Free
100 High Street
Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway DG1 2BJ United Kingdom
01387 252435
View Venue Website
Accessibility Information 
Access to the Building:
  • Level Access is available at the rear of the building through the adjacent close located to the left-hand side of the Café (when facing the front of the building). 
Hearing Loop:
  • We have a hearing loop system installed in the café to support individuals using hearing aids or cochlear implants.
Personalised Assistance:
  • If you have any specific access needs, please let us know, and we’ll be happy to accommodate. You can reach Sal at [email protected] or call us at 01387 252435 to speak with a member of our team.
Additional Support Available:
  • Walk-throughs of the building can be arranged prior to your visit so you can familiarise yourself with the space.
  • Reserved Seating can be arranged to ensure comfort and accessibility; please let us know if you would like seating assigned before arrival.

We’re committed to making your experience as enjoyable and accessible as possible. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions or specific requirements.

Categories
News

The Stove Multi-Year Funding Award 2025-2028

We are delighted to share that The Stove has been awarded Multi-Year Funding by Creative Scotland for the period of April 2025–April 2028. We are honoured to be part of the national portfolio of cultural organisations in Scotland for the third time. This decision feels like a true affirmation of the work we do.

The significant growth of funded organisations in our region demonstrates how fundamental the arts are to life and work in Dumfries & Galloway. We are proud to stand alongside six other creative organisations in the region—DG Arts Festival, Upland CIC, CatStrand, Wigtown Festival Company, CAMPLE LINE, and Paragon Music—who are all making valuable contributions to the cultural, social, and economic well-being of Scotland’s communities.

The Stove, as it stands today, has evolved from a conversation in a bar in 2011 among a group of artists. Our hope then remains the same as it is now: to use creativity and the arts to shape the future of our town. Collaboration has always been at the heart of our vision, and we dedicate this recent success to everyone we’ve worked with—the community across the region, the incredibly talented network of freelancers, and, of course, our members.

We’ve taken time to publish our message of thanks and gratitude for Creative Scotland’s support out of respect for the many organisations across Scotland who have not received the outcome they had hoped for. We acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead for many of these organisations who undoubtedly invested a tremendous amount of time and energy into the application process. As we stated previously in our response to the closure of Creative Scotland’s Open Project Fund, we stand in solidarity with creatives everywhere, as well as with public and third-sector workers, and offer our support in any way we can.

Looking ahead to the next three years, with the stability provided by this funding, we are pleased to continue with our ambitious plans. The Stove’s original mission for Dumfries—enabling creativity and creative people to make a positive contribution to the town and surrounding communities—has now expanded into a region-wide endeavour. Over the next three years, we will focus on delivering community-embedded arts practices with the communities of Dumfries, as well as advancing regional creative placemaking and creative sector development:

We’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the continued support from all our much-valued funders and partners, who enable our ongoing mission for Dumfries & Galloway.

Reel to Real Cinema: The Hermit of Treig

February 7 @ 7:00 pm 9:00 pm

The Hermit of Treig | Lizzie MacKenzie | 2022 | Documentary | 79 mins | Scotland | English | PG

This month we share Lizzie MacKenzie’s debut feature length documentary following the life of Ken Smith, a meticulous diarist and avid photographer who has spent the past four decades in the Scottish Highlands, living alone in a log cabin nestled near Loch Treig.

After the film, we will be joined by Emily Tough, an artist and part of Propagate Scotland, to share about a local project at Mountainhall exploring everyday connections with our local environment.

About the Film

Ken Smith who has spent the past four decades living in a log cabin nestled near Loch Treig, known as ‘the lonely loch’, not too far from Fort William.

He has no electricity or running water. He lives off the land, fishing for his supper, chopping wood, and even brewing his own tipple. Director Lizzie MacKenzie has known Ken since 2012 and filmed him through changing seasons and challenging health problems.

Her warm, captivating documentary, now presented in a feature-length version, fondly celebrates a man in the wilderness and records the friendship that has grown between them.

Watch the Trailer:
About Reel to Real

Reel to Real Cinema is a monthly film space in the Stove Cafe, featuring an eclectic mixture of conversational films – from artist made shorts to feature length documentaries, locally made to international cinema. A space for discussion and thought-provoking films, you are welcome to join us after the film for a short discussion about the themes from this month’s selection. The Stove Cafe will be open from 5.30pm – 6:45pm with a special pre-film dinner option alongside hot drinks and cakes.

Free Donations welcome
100 High Street
Dumfries, DG1 2BJ United Kingdom
01387 252435
View Venue Website

Accessibility Information 

Access to the Building:
  • Level Access is available at the rear of the building through the adjacent close located to the left-hand side of the Café (when facing the front of the building). 
Hearing Loop:
  • We have a hearing loop system installed in the café to support individuals using hearing aids or cochlear implants.
Personalised Assistance:
  • If you have any specific access needs, please let us know, and we’ll be happy to accommodate. You can reach Sal at [email protected] or call us at 01387 252435 to speak with a member of our team.
Additional Support Available:
  • Walk-throughs of the building can be arranged prior to your visit so you can familiarise yourself with the space.
  • Reserved Seating can be arranged to ensure comfort and accessibility; please let us know if you would like seating assigned before arrival.

We’re committed to making your experience as enjoyable and accessible as possible. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions or specific requirements.

Sonic Labs

February 26 @ 7:00 pm 9:00 pm

Welcome to Sonic Labs (formerly known as Free Improvisation!), a hub where noise and sound collide in a whirlwind of creativity.

Crafted by a group of local music lovers and innovators, Sonic Labs warmly welcomes everyone to join in the joy of making music together.

Our sessions follow an open-style approach that mixes improvisation with composition, making music-making accessible to all. Rooted in teamwork, spontaneity, and sharing, our evenings blend structured techniques with free expression, inviting you to explore the magic of musical creation.

At Sonic Labs, we embrace diverse styles and skills to create vibrant soundscapes, compositions, and immersive experiences. Our sessions are full of surprises – expect the unexpected, from unconventional experiments to moments of pure beauty, and even thrilling chaos. Join us for an unforgettable journey into the world of musical improvisation!

So, bring along your instrument (it can be whatever you like, including your voice!) and start playing.

Free
100 High Street
Dumfries, DG1 2BJ United Kingdom
01387 252435
View Venue Website


Access Information:
 Level Access in rear of building through adjacent close to left-hand side of the Cafe (facing the front of the building). 
To ensure your experience with us is as best as it can be, please do let us know if you have any specific access requirements and we’d be happy to help. Please email Kevin or Sal on: [email protected] or phone 01387 252435 and speak with one of our team. 
We are able to provide walk-throughs of the building before attending our events as well as assign seating before your arrival. 

Nith Life

February 25 @ 6:00 pm 8:00 pm

Part of our Open Hoose Programme and inspired by conservation initiatives across the country, a new group wants to question and explore what exactly a Conservation Trust for the River Nith might look like. This is the ideal opportunity for those passionate about protecting one of our most extraordinary natural assets to get together and look for solutions faced by our River Nith.

February’s session features Suzanne MacIntyre, Reserves Manager from NatureScot talking about Caerlaverock and Kirkconnell Flow local nature reserves.

Ran by a community steering group supported by The Stove Network &  UNESCO Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere, Nith Life is a rapidly evolving initiative dedicated to engaging communities through creativity, technology and science to explore our connection to the River Nith, from source to sea. 

If you would like to stay updated and informed on everything the group are up to do follow their Facebook page HERE.

The Stove Cafe will be open for pre-event food and drinks from 5.30pm, the event will start at 6pm sharp.

100 High Street
Dumfries, DG1 2BJ United Kingdom
01387 252435
View Venue Website

Access Information: Level Access in rear of building through adjacent close to left-hand side of the Cafe (facing the front of the building). To ensure your experience with us is as best as it can be, please do let us know if you have any specific access requirements and we’d be happy to help. Please email Kevin or Sal on: [email protected] or phone 01387 252435 and speak with one of our team. We are able to provide walk-throughs of the building before attending our events as well as assign seating before your arrival.

Doongamers – Digimon

February 25 @ 5:00 pm 8:30 pm

You’re invited to join a friendly and welcoming community in the Doongamers group, with live gaming meet-ups taking place at The Stove.

Digimon is about creatures which inhabit a “Digital World”, a parallel universe that originated from Earth’s various communication networks.

Starter deck provided for new players

£5 entrance fee, provides 1 booster pack from the most recent set

Games (over 18’s only)

Nae ticket? Nae bother! No need to book for this event – just show up!

100 High Street
Dumfries, Dumfries & Galloway DG1 2BJ United Kingdom
01387 252435
View Venue Website

Access Information: Level Access in rear of building through adjacent close to left-hand side of the Cafe (facing the front of the building). To ensure your experience with us is as best as it can be, please do let us know if you have any specific access requirements and we’d be happy to help. Please email Kevin or Sal on: [email protected] or phone 01387 252435 and speak with one of our team. We are able to provide walk-throughs of the building before attending our events as well as assign seating before your arrival.

Skip to content