Community Artwork Project
Working with communities across the life of the project is a key objective for BAM Nuttall and the Council, and the project team is striving to improve the lives of local people by enhancing the areas they work, live and relax in. As part of this, the team has appointed Nichol Wheatley as the Artist in Residence to work with the nearby local communities in creating a series of legacy artworks.
Kinross-based artist, Nichol, will work with local communities in creating a series of legacy artworks which will be positioned throughout the new road corridor and pathways. He commented, “Most large infrastructure projects now have artwork at their centre and there is a growing evidence base that demonstrates how enhanced civic space can improve mental health and positively shift the ambition of an area.
We now need help from the local community!
We are looking for local people - and working artists - to get involved in the Community Artwork Project. If you'd like to be part of this amazing legacy then make sure to attend one of our community meetings this September.
- Tuesday 26th September, 6pm to 7pm, Stormontfield Project Office, Stormontfield Road, Perth, PH2 6BB - BOOK NOW >
- Wednesday 27th September, 6pm to 7pm, Luncarty Church Centre, Marshall Way Luncarty PH1 3UX - BOOK NOW >
Aiming for up to nine locations, it is the intention that the artistic focal points provide a strong sense of identity, and support wayfinding and orientation using the rich history and culture of the area.
Potential locations for the Community Artworks:
- Denmarkfield rewilding area
- Park & Cycle site (old A9)
- River Tay Bridge
- Wetlands area adjacent to the caravan park
- Stormontfield Roundabout
- A93 Roundabout
- Green Bridge at Highfield
- Highfield Roundabout
- A94 Roundabout
Wheatley continued, “Whilst each individual artwork will stand individually, it is our aim to build a coherent body of work that can be enjoyed by drivers and passengers using the new road, and active travel participants using the pathways and cycle routes.”
Local residents attended the meetings in Scone and Luncarty, with a variety of ideas and themes coming to the fore. These included treasure trails, the history and farmlands surrounding Bertha, imaginary creatures on the Green Bridge, racehorses and structures that could unify young people in the area.
Wheatley is also keen to see the use of Scone Palace and its landscape, local ecology and any one of fourteen archaeological monuments within a 1km proximity of the new road.
Jillian Ferguson, Roads Infrastructure Manager for PKC commented, “Collaborating with communities across the life of the project is a key objective for BAM Nuttall and Perth & Kinross Council, and the project team is striving to improve the lives of local people by enhancing the areas they work, live and relax in. By involving everyone at this early stage, it is our hope that the artwork will generate a sense of pride and enjoyment for all.”
William Diver, BAM Nuttall Project Director commented, “It has been really encouraging to see resident participation at this early stage, and to be building positive engagement within local communities.
“Where possible, the artworks will be completed and installed in line with each section completion with the first expected to appear at the end of summer 2023.”
Nichol has enjoyed a varied career since graduating from Glasgow School of Art in 1993, but he is best known for his paintings of the Scottish landscape, particularly Kinross-shire, his large cycle of murals telling the story of Tam O’Shanter, and his work with Alasdair Gray. Over the years he has gained a wealth of experience in public realm art and has worked as the arts consultant for several infrastructure projects.