IT has been an incredibly tough year for Scotland's arts sector - but now galleries and studios are urging visitors to return to in-person cultural experiences.

And the sector has launched a new campaign - #ArtUnlocks - to encourage people to find out what cultural opportunities are opening up in their neighbourhoods.

Across Glasgow a range of exhibitions and galleries are taking part in the push, organised by Scottish Contemporary Art Network (SCAN).

SCAN Director Moira Jeffrey said: "As Scotland begins to open up after a long, tough winter, we’re delighted to be sharing the good news that contemporary art is safe, family-friendly and opening soon in your neighbourhood.

"From Orkney to rural Dumfriesshire, Dundee to Edinburgh and Glasgow, you will be able to visit outdoor and indoor venues this spring and summer.

"As art unlocks its doors across the country, we know it also unlocks potential, new ideas and health and wellbeing.

"Scotland’s art galleries, workshops, and contemporary art venues are waiting to welcome you."

Moira Jeffrey Picture: Alan Dimmick

Moira Jeffrey Picture: Alan Dimmick

New openings will be announced and shared using the hashtag #ArtUnlocks and a continually refreshed list of contemporary art openings will be available at: www.sca-net.org/artunlocks

Latest figures show that during lockdown 96% of Scotland’s population engaged in cultural activity from home and more than 80% have said they want to attend cultural events as we begin the exit from lockdown.

In Glasgow the CCA on Sauchiehall Street re-opened yesterday in preparation for a new exhibition in partnership with the Glasgow School of Art.

The title of the exhibition, ambi, is Punjabi for Paisley Pattern.

Opening on Friday, May 7, ambi features artists Rabiya Choudry, Fiona Jardine, Raisa Kabir and Hanneline Visnes who will create new works in response to works from the textiles, fashion and costume holdings at The Glasgow School of Art Archives & Special Collections.

Glasgow Women’s Library will also reopen its lending library on May 4, which will be complemented by the Open The Door online literary festival taking place from May 20 to 22.

Francis McKee, Director at CCA, said: "We're really looking forward to reopening.

"Our approach will be careful and gradual, with our resident shops, Aye-Aye Books and Welcome Home, opening from April 30, before ambi, our exhibition in partnership with Glasgow School of Art Exhibitions, opens on May 7.

"Rabiya Choudhry, Fiona Jardine, Raisa Kabir and Hanneline Visnes present work inspired by pieces from the textiles, fashion and costume archive at GSA.

"It's exciting to be able to welcome audiences back to CCA for this very special exhibition, and we wish art venues across Scotland the very best with opening their venues to the public for much-missed art experiences."

For artists, and those keen to return to studios and workshops, the easing of restrictions also sees some of the country’s leading studio and production facilities re-open.

These include Glasgow Print Studios, which opened its facilities on Tuesday this week.

On May 19 an exhibition opens from artist June Carey with a group of high profile contemporary artists working together in support of Art in Mind, with each artist having created their own unique image on a ceramic vase.

This is an opportunity to view the pieces at Glasgow Print Studio, before they go to auction at Lyon and Turnbull on May 30.

All proceeds will be donated directly to The Scottish Association For Mental Health (SAMH).

Amanda Catto, Head of Visual Arts, Creative Scotland, added: "Scotland is home to an exceptional network of galleries and studio spaces that bring great art and inspiring artists into our communities and our lives.

"Throughout the pandemic these organisations have used new and imaginative ways to reach out to people, underscoring the vital role that art and creativity play in our wellbeing.

"The re-opening of galleries and studio spaces will make it possible for people to see and make art in real life again, and that’s a very exciting and welcome prospect.

"Whether you’re a regular gallery goer or somebody who’s just curious to visit somewhere new there’s a tremendous range of opportunities opening up across the country.

"You can be confident these are spaces that can be visited safely thanks to the care and hard work of the gallery and studio operators - and #ArtUnlocks is a superb way to find out more."