Arts / Artists announced for new Lerwick art trail
FOUR artists have been announced for a new public art trail in Lerwick.
Kenny Hunter, David Lemm, Joseph Ingleby and the Civic Soup collective will all provide art to the LOCUS trail, which is being organised by Shetland Arts and Living Lerwick.
The trail, which will take place over four sites, has secured money from the Town Centre Fund.
Hunter is described as an internationally-renowned artist who is known for civic sculpture and galley work.
He is celebrated for the likes of the Citizen Firefighter sculpture found outside Central Station in Glasgow.
Civic Soup is a collective “rooted in co-design and community participation” which revolves around art and architecture.
Lemm’s work spans printmaking, drawing, video and collage, with the artist presenting his pieces from Amsterdam to Berlin.
Sculptor Ingleby, meanwhile, is known for his work in site-specific public commissions. He recently created a Treasure Trail of seven pieces in Denny Town Square near Falkirk.
Shetland Arts exhibition manager Jane Matthews said: “We had a great response to the call for proposals, from artists working locally, nationally and internationally.
“The panel was keen that the commissions have an impact both individually and as part of the wider trail, resonating for locals and visitors alike, and impacting beyond Shetland too. The selection of such experienced artists working in this realm aims to reflect this.
“The artists selected to take part in LOCUS put community engagement and interaction at the heart of their plans. School and community workshops will ensure the community is able to feed in to the development of the trail, aiming to grow and develop access to and interest in contemporary art. Building on these projects, we will continue to champion young people in LOCUS, ensuring opportunities to feed into how these artworks develop.”
Matthews added that the art will be “sympathetic to the heritage environment of Lerwick town centre, and will pay homage to the industries, buildings and businesses which make the town a great place to live, work, study and visit”.
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She said that the installations will act as new wayfinding points, meeting places and photo opportunities.
“In the high season and other busy events, we hope that LOCUS will become part of the visitor experience, increasing the dwell time in Lerwick town centre, encouraging spend in our local shops, cafes and restaurants,” Matthews added.
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