A FINAL sketch has been selected for a proposed £100k public art centrepiece in Annan.
Annan History Town say that once it is completed, the seven metre high sculpture on Battery Street will stand as a symbol of Annan’s resilience and history.
The final design, chosen by the short life working group (SLWG), depicts a kelpie barging into the Jubilee Bridge.
Speaking on the progress made so far, History Town joint development officer Gail McPhillips said: “The turnout for the SLWG has been positive so far, with around 16-18 members involved.
“While we would welcome some local businesses, many are already showing their support for the project in other ways.”
She added: “The final sketch draws inspiration from the bridges lost in the 2021 floods, the mythology of the Kelpie, and the surrounding area.
“We hope the finished centrepiece will become an iconic landmark.
“It will also be a visitor attraction that can help bring more people into the town, boosting local businesses and encouraging community pride.”
The kelpie will be constructed using metal, and the group are exploring the possibility of incorporating remnants from the old footbridges into the sculpture, kindly donated by the Tale of Two Bridges group.
Members of the Annan community will have the unique opportunity of being able to offer Nate a helping hand in its creation.
His Live Forge will allow people to create their own unique pieces which will be integrated into the sculpture.
Gail added: “We need to raise £100,000 to bring the project to life, and we are actively exploring various fundraising options.
“The funds we are raising are specifically for arts and cultural projects, which means they are earmarked for initiatives like this one, rather than for infrastructure such as the footbridges.
“I am working on securing funding grants, and local residents are already getting involved. Local man Paul Harrington will be running the 100k Canalathon from Sowerby Bridge to Manchester and back in March 2025.
“Residents and groups have already made generous donations. People can contribute by volunteering their time for fundraising events, joining the working group, participating in the forging workshops, or simply helping to spread the word about the project.
“It’s also important to note that this project is working in collaboration with the bridges project, and we hope that both initiatives will strengthen community bonds as we work together towards shared goals.”
To find out more information on the project as well as how to get involved Gail can be contacted at [email protected]
