A STRIKING piece of public art was unveiled on Dumfries High Street yesterday.
The collection of temporary artwork now adorns the hoardings at the Midsteeple Quarter’s spaces at 135-139 High Street.
Pupils from Loreburn and St Andrew’s RC primary schools and the Provost of Dumfries, Councillor Maureen Johnstone, were among those who joined in the fun at the official unveiling. And the children began the celebrations in style, waving flags as they followed piper Callum Watson in a procession from the Plainstanes to to the Midsteeple Quarter building for the announcement and official unveiling.
The designs feature on other buildings owned by Midsteeple Quarter, and are the culmination of a nine-month project by artists Hannah Fox and Kate Drummond. With support from Dumfries and Galloway-based art and craft organisation Upland and funding from The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, they have spoken to hundreds of people about what makes a home. That has included work with the children from Loreburn and St Andrew’s.
The finished installation on the newly named Standard building highlights the message “Welcome Hame”, representing community and the new homes being created on the High Street.
Artists Hannah and Kate said: “We’ve worked with young people from local schools and townsfolk at civic events, including Guid Nychburris and the reopening of the beautiful fountain, to create a bright, cheerful, welcoming artwork celebrating the new homes here on the High Street and the community-led redevelopment of the Midsteeple Quarter.
“It has been a joy to work in the town. We would like to thank everyone we met who shared their thoughts, ideas and creativity with us. We hope that everyone walking along the High Street enjoys these artworks that announce this exciting new chapter for Dumfries town centre.”
Creative director at Upland Amy Marletta added: “Our original project brief set out to create an innovative temporary public artwork which was a direct result from participation and engagement with the local community. Hannah and Kate have more than achieved that, creating something celebratory that thoughtfully responds to the ambitions and vision of Midsteeple Quarter.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with the artists and watch this project evolve into something which we hope everyone can enjoy and feel proud of.”
The artwork will remain on the hoardings until construction work is completed.
