International Gaelic Performing Arts Program

The Burns Society of Charleston has partnered with the Clan Donald Trust for the Gaelic Performing Arts to deliver the International Gaelic Performing Arts Program.

The ancient MacDonald Lords of the Isles, who for over 400 years ruled an independent Gaelic Kingdom on the West Coast and Isles of Scotland, saw it as their responsibility to support, encourage, and develop the Gaelic culture in all its forms.  The Lords of the Isles built churches, supported monasteries, established centers of higher learning, were patrons of dancing, clarsach playing (the traditional Gaelic harp), poetry and, of course, piping. 
Today, the Robert Burns Society of Charleston, in partnership with the Clan Donald Trust for the Gaelic Performing Arts, has the great honor of taking up the mantle for the delivery of this important international program.

Together, we now support competitions in Scotland, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the United States.  Thanks to our fundraising efforts and generous donations from like-minded supporters, the Program spends some $160,000 annually supporting piping, clarsach, Scottish fiddle, Highland dancing, and Gaelic poetry around the world—including the Scottish Performing Arts Classic held in Charleston each June. 

The Burns Society of Charleston and the Clan Donald Trust are arguably the most active supporters of the Gaelic arts in the world.  You are invited to join with us in the delivery of this important Program, supporting and growing the Gaelic culture, through tax deductible donations to the Robert Burns Society of Charleston, earmarked for the Gaelic Performing Arts Program.