Ness River Public Art Programme receives £305,000 to create new public art pieces in Inverness

5th October 2014

AN award of £305,000 has been made towards the creation of new public art pieces in Inverness as part of the area's Ness River Public Art Programme, River Connections.

Highland Council has commissioned four artists to create four new pieces of work along the riverbank to form unique spaces where people can quietly experience new ways of interacting with the landscape.

Artists selected for the project so far include, Dress for the Weather who have been commissioned to produce two projects; Artist Designed Rest Spaces and The Trail, and Annie Cattrell who will produce The Sculptural Destination. A third artist will be commissioned imminently to produce the fourth art work.

This project will use the opportunity brought about by the River Ness flood prevention scheme to enhance the environment around the river bank.

Councillor Ken Gowans, chair of The Highland Council's ICArts Working Group said:"This is a great opportunity for the City of Inverness and the Highlands to establish permanent high quality Public Art as an integral part of the major Flood Alleviation Scheme for the City currently underway and which will enhance everyone's connections with the River Ness. We are most grateful for the major contribution made by Creative Scotland to this partnership project which also involves Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Inverness Common Good Fund and The Highland Council."

This funding is being announced as one of a number of Stage Two Large Capital Awards that will enable the projects across Scotland to progress the delivery of their final plans.

Funding will also go towards creation of Scotland's first centre for children’s literature inspired by JM Barrie’s Peter Pan in Dumfries and Galloway; and the restoration and upgrading of one of the UK’s oldest cinemas, in Campbeltown, Argyll and Bute.

Philip Deverell, director of Strategy at Creative Scotland, said:"The cultural infrastructure of Scotland will be boosted by these ambitious and inspiring projects which have been a number of years in fruition. Each is unique to their location, drawing on a range of inspirations whether historical, from the landscape or from the local community.

"Each will help to ensure that artists and audiences, across Scotland, can continue to present, access and enjoy a range of artistic and creative experiences."

More Info -
Creative Scotland’s Large Capital programme supports cultural facilities, refurbishments and equipment, and large scale public art in order to improve the access, presentation and enjoyment of the arts and film for the population of Scotland.
£1.35m of Large Capital Funding has been issued to support three organisations to realise ambitious plans across Scotland.
Capital funding is allocated in two stages. Firstly, initial development funding is awarded to enable projects to develop proposals. Project plans are then assessed by Creative Scotland and if they meet the final development criteria, the in-principle commitment outlined at stage one will be awarded. However it should be noted that this does not necessarily guarantee success at the final stage. Where a project is unable to meet the final development criteria the in-principle commitment is withdrawn.
The Ness River Public Art Programme has received Stage 2 Large Capital Funding award of £259,000. The project received development funding of £46,000, Sept 2012.
Creative Scotland is the national organisation that funds and supports the development of Scotland’s arts, screen and creative industries. Creative Scotland has four objectives: to develop and sustain a thriving environment for the arts, screen and creative industries; to support excellence in artistic and creative practice; to improve access to and participation in, arts and creative activity; and to deliver our services efficiently and effectively. In 2013/14 we will distribute over £100m in funding provided by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery. For further information on Creative Scotland please visit www.creativescotland.com. Follow us [AT]creativescots and www.facebook.com/CreativeScotland