New Scottish tour for land reform artwork
The dramatic history of Scotland’s community landownership movement is the subject of a dynamic new art exhibition touring Scotland in the Travelling Gallery this summer.
Scotland’s land has long been uniquely concentrated in the hands of private landowners. The ‘Where We Stand’ exhibition will highlight six artworks that reflect how ordinary communities secured ownership of the land where they live, and created something transformational.
Where We Stand is a partnership between Travelling Gallery and Community Land Scotland, as part of the 100 Years of Community Ownership project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Scottish Government. The exhibition is also funded by Creative Scotland and supported by The City of Edinburgh Council.
Community Land Scotland, Curator, Iain Craig, says: "Where We Stand will reflect the dramatic story of community landownership in Scotland – how people came together to upend Scotland’s challenging land history to create a better place for future generations. The exhibition will tell the stories and achievements of the pioneers of community ownership.
"The six works in this exhibition capture something of the breadth and talent and imagination found in communities across Scotland - communities which try to revive their areas and live in balance with the natural world around them."
The exhibition and tour will be launched in Edinburgh on Friday (June 7) before visiting Harris and Lewis next week and Argyll on June 18-21. The tour includes, West Dunbartonshire, Lanarkshire, Clackmannanshire, Dumfries and Galloway, and The Borders. It finishes at The Edinburgh Festival in August.
Lewis-based artist, Virgina Hutchison, highlights the link between Gaelic language and Land.
"‘I’ve heard Gaelic described as a language that is felt, and as I listen to the Gaelic place names that scatter north Lewis like a billion stars, the intricate relationship between people and place unfolds, a relationship with the land that is so close and so ancient that it is not easily erased by ownership.
"There’s a power to the stories we weave through rocks, a radical act that is unfolding through each of these projects.’
Edinburgh City Council, Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker says: “It’s important that we take time to reflect on the story of community landownership in Scotland, and this exhibition allows us to do just that.
"I encourage everyone to visit the exhibition when it is in Edinburgh to gain a better understanding of our history through the six unique pieces of artwork on display, that not only tell a story, but showcase the talent found in communities across Scotland.”
Find out more at; 100years.scot and www.travellinggallery.com