‘Name In Lights’ presents a cast of artists whose work is varied in content but unified by the need for an audience, and is responsive to both setting and place.

Saturday May 19th 2007 2.30pm-3.30pm The Ross Bandstand Princes Street Gardens Edinburgh

Shona Handley & Tessa Lynch, Craig Coulthard, Kim Coleman & Jenny Hogarth, John Farrugia, Oliver Herbert

Organised by Tessa Lynch and Shona Handley, ‘Name In Lights’ provides a public platform for the work of artists usually contained within gallery walls.

‘Name In Lights’ presents a cast of artists whose work is varied in content but unified by the need for an audience, and is responsive to both setting and place. The Ross bandstand provides the perfect space, neither a theatre nor a gallery but instead a champion of all public entertainment. A central Edinburgh landmark, the Bandstand is twinned with the dramatic vista of Edinburgh castle behind and the commercial hub of Princes Street in front, existing between history and commercialism.

The Bandstand is used for a variety of community events and presentations of local achievement, from country dancing to The Passion of the Christ. However, the stage itself is in a state of disrepair; its dance worn parquet and pistachio paint at threat from vandalism and demolition. When the big names come to town the original stage is made redundant and shrouded behind temporary stadium structures.

The contradictory nature of the Ross Bandstand’s usage fuelled the inspiration for this event, it’s accessibility contrasted with its grand setting. The venue’s local glamour has instilled a sense of community spirit to the endeavour, the joy of amateur dramatics where anyone can be a star.

We would like to welcome you all to our show. A visual delight awaits you; song, dance, paper thin performances and cunning collaborative feats to addle your brain and loosen your senses till you too will want to have your ‘Name in lights’.

The event is funded by Edinburgh College of Art, its Student Representative Council and The Scottish Institute for Enterprise. All bodies are keen to encourage the projects of undergraduates, postgraduates and graduates of Edinburgh College of Art, especially in ventures which challenge the role of the Arts in Edinburgh and where and how it’s viewed.