Published on:
23
June 2022
Following a competition to find a local artist to create a new piece of public art for Alloa town centre, Council today agreed to fund a submission from artists Michael Corr and Ross Hastie with public art funds from developer contributions, which are made by developers as part of the planning process to fund public art. Council agreed that £15,700 of funds ring-fenced for Alloa would make this vibrant new commission a reality.
The competition, in partnership with Alloa First, asked Clackmannanshire artists to produce artworks for the gable end and adjacent wall at 26/28 Drysdale Street in Alloa’s town centre based on the theme of ‘Alloa: People and Place.
The successful artwork shows the County’s motto and links this to a painting of a Goldcrest; the smallest bird in Scotland, drawing parallels with Clackmannanshire’s status as the “Wee County”. The Goldcrest’s Latin name is Regulus Regulus, meaning King, and linking it back to the County’s motto which is attributed to King Robert the Bruce.
Councillor Fiona Law, Spokesperson for the Environment and Net Zero said: ““I congratulate Michael Corr and Ross Hastie on being commissioned to create a piece of public art for Alloa town centre. It’s fantastic to see a public art project bring colour and vibrancy to the town centre. Thanks to Alloa First and McDonald Morson Dental Care for their ambition and support to make this happen”
Diane Brown, Project Manager at Alloa First, said: “We’re delighted that the mural has been given the green light today. Ross and Michael submitted a great entry to the competition. We know they are more than capable of delivering a stunning piece of art work that will complement the area and even better that they are both local artists. With the new Primrose flats nearing completion, the opening of the new Alloa Hub later this summer followed by the completion of the mural, this part of Alloa has significantly improved. We hope it will be enjoyed by both locals and visitors to the town.”
Artist, Ross Hastie, said: "I'm really excited to get started on this mural project in Alloa. After spending the last 6 years travelling to paint signs all over the UK I'm really happy to be able to paint such a large piece of work in our hometown"
Councillors also approved further engagement with Alloa First, the local third sector, artists, businesses, local elected members and communities, to identify further opportunities for developer contribution funded murals in Alloa town centre.