archive

Following the development of a public art strategy the Shetland Museum and Archives commissioned a series of artworks to be incorporated into the redevelopment of the museum building and dockyard site. The work was created across a broad spectrum of media celebrating the twin concepts of artwork ‘Made in Shetland’ and artwork ‘Made for Shetland’ (MFS). These two strands bring together the work of artists and designers from within Shetland and abroad.

The Scottish Arts Council funding for this project supports part of the salary for the public art coordinator, Artist’s Work in Display Design, the design stages of two pieces of External Artwork and the production of one.

See also Archive: Shetland Museum & Archive – Public Art Strategy

Artists

MFS: Made For Scotland
(#Artists work in Display Design)

• Lulu Quinn (MFS)
• Alan Hart (MFS local craftmsan)
• Ewan Balfour
• Joanne Berry#
• Allistair Burt#
• Lilian Cooper#
• Imi Maufe#
• Mike McDonnell
• Gair Dunlop#
• Dan Norton#
• Deirdre Nelson#
• Anne Eunson#
• Roxane Permar#
• Andy Ross#
• Meilo So
• Jen Hadfield
• Cecil Tait
• Mark Sinclair
• Karen Clubb
• Fiona Burr-Bloomer
• Barbara Cluness
• Ally Wallace (shortlisted MFS)
• Colin Kirkpatrick (shortlisted MFS)

Funding

SAC Award amount

£65,550.00

Project total cost

£200,661.00

Funding purpose

Towards the cost of public art commisions for the New Shetland Museum & Archives project and the dockside environs.

(Please note dates and details correct at time of award.)

Consultation & Commissioning Process

Consultation with the local community continued through education and outreach events with school groups and the general public.

Commissioning of the artwork was carried out with the Shetland Museum & Archive Public Art Steering Group and Project Team. An open competition led to an exhibition of shortlisted proposals. This exhibition toured various venues in Shetland and an Open Evening was organised where the public could meet and chat with the shortlisted artists.

Outcomes

Over thirty pieces of public art were commissioned by Shetland Amenity Trust. In relation to this particular part of the whole public art strategy the following were created:

• Shetland Receivers: sound installation using Serpentine (a highly coloured Shetland stone)and resin
• Simmermill tae Yul: panels constructed from local plant materials
• Early People: wall panel
• Storytelling Machine: sound sculpture
• Gneiss Line: 9 wall panel drawings
• Tinned Treasures: series of 15 artworks created from objects found on Shetland beaches
• Archives Searchroom: series of carved wood reliefs
• Williamson’s Generator: multimedia
• Tae: hand knitted shetland wool
• A Shetland Music: sound installation
• Bairn’s Trail: poetry and illustrations
• Textiles in Tables: ash tables inlaid with textile artwork
• Lampshades: aluminium wire referencing traditional lace knitting patterns