Creative conversations as Midsteeple Quarter artists make their mark
Hundreds of people have been sharing their views on Dumfries town centre - and what makes a home - with artists commissioned for a special Midsteeple Quarter project.
Hannah Fox and Kate Drummond have chatted to people of all ages and backgrounds to inform and inspire them ahead of creating a new piece of artwork for display in the High Street.
They have been in school classrooms, met crowds on Guid Nychburris day and much more in between to learn more about the town and what it means to residents and visitors.
And they are now absorbing all of the information they have picked up to come up with a new creative concept reflecting the opinions, reflections and aspirations shared with them.
Kate, left, and Hannah at the Dumfries Makers Market
Kathryn Hill, Midsteeple Quarter’s Community Engagement Activator,has been working closely with the artists.
She said: “It’s been fantastic to see how well Hannah and Kate have been engaging and interacting with the community - the very people who are entrusting Midsteeple Quarter to help deliver a better future for Dumfries town centre. We can’t wait to see how they will interpret all of that creatively.”
Among the work that the artists have done has been:
Taking part in the Dumfries Makers Market, asking “What Makes A Home?”
Creating the “Dumfries Alphabet” to help people share their views
Hosting a creative working for Loreburn Primary School pupils in The Smithy
Delivering a workshop for pupils at St Andrew’s Primary - then displaying their artwork in the window of The Smithy
Taking a market stall at Guid Nychburris - showcasing work of Loreburn pupils
Joining in the reopening of Dumfries Fountain, chatting with young people about the future of the High Street
The arts project has been commissioned by Midsteeple Quarter, working alongside Dumfries and Galloway-based art and craft organisation Upland. Funding has been provided by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
Hannah and Kate have both previously worked in Dumfries and regularly collaborate to create bold, exciting, warm, playful and beautiful works in the public realm.
Read more: Artists commissioned for Midsteeple Quarter project
