Published on:
02
November 2009
The Imagine Alloa project has appointed its Artist in Residence - Angela Beardsley.
Angela beat off stiff competition to claim the role and although only appointed a few weeks ago, has already started work on several schemes for the ambitious town centre redevelopment project.
Angela has national and international experience of arts in a community context. She trained in London at Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges of Art in Fine Art and Sculpture and Ohio State University, Columbus in the USA.
Angela's talents range from Public Arts Installations, to film and lighting installation, so she has the experience of community interaction needed to help make the Imagine Alloa project a success.
And as someone who lives in Alva, Angela has the added advantage of knowing the area very well.
Speaking of her appointment, Council leader Janet Cadenhead said: "It's important that we get local people involved and Angela is keen to do this. She is experienced and confident at building relationships with the public and I'm sure she will offer a wide range of opportunities to local people.
"We want as many local groups as possible to be involved in the Imagine Alloa project. It's not just a scheme to improve roads and pavements in the town centre. A big part of our success in getting £2million from the Government for this project was the fact that our proposal involved using arts and crafts creatively in the town centre.
"Angela is known locally for her enthusiasm and commitment to making Alloa a vibrant arts town. We hope other artists from various parts of Scotland and the UK will join Angela to meet the needs of the creative residents who want to learn new skills and develop their talent. Angela will also help local people make art that can be a permanent part of the development in the town."
Angela is to be based in a town centre shop space which will have an 'open doors' policy - so anyone can drop in or take advantage of the planned workshops. It's hoped she'll take up resident in Christie's - the former Poundland on the High Street - very soon.
Of her skills and approach to art Angela said: "I use all sorts of materials, and I love learning and sharing experiences with people who enjoy making things. I have experience in youth and adult community work, including work with disabled groups, as well as marketing so I know how to work with people.
"Communication is the key to developing activities with the public, and this includes using networks to inspire local people. We want to change the face of the town through art but in a way that recognises it heritage."
Last year Angela was one of three artists commissioned to present their work in Portobello's `Big Things on the Beach' public art initiative. Her 'Land Stream' ran across the promenade throughout August.
Angela's appointment runs until mid-April.
The Clackmannanshire Alliance, led by the Council, worked with Clackmannanshire Business and Alloa Town Centre BID to successfully secure £2million from the Scottish Government's regeneration fund earlier this year. Together with additional money from Fairer Scotland, the town centre is set to benefit from a massive £2.4 million investment. A condition of the funding is that the money is spent between now and the end of next March 2010.