Lockdown easing brings new meaning to the Gathering Place
The “Gathering Place” artwork is set to take on an even more poignant and significant meaning when it is completed in Inverness in early summer, as it coincides with the easing of lockdown and people being able to come together again.
The start of works had been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, however site preparation will begin from next week by local construction firm Simpsons, in preparation for the installation of the artwork on the banks of the River Ness.
Members of the ICArts Working Group approved the artists’ detailed design for the My Ness “Gathering Place” project in December 2020.
Without departing from the original concept, the artist and design team have incorporated additional design elements requested by Inverness City Area Committee, including a small widening to the end of the pier to enhance accessibility and signage which highlights the work is closed during high water events.
The art work will be clad in beautiful Clashach stone from a local quarry.
The final design falls within the terms of all existing statutory consents and environmental considerations, and the final adjustments to the design of the My Ness project were accomplished within the current budget allocation. The project itself remains fully funded.
A major funder of the commission is Creative Scotland, the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland on behalf of everyone who lives, works or visits here, distributing funding from the Scottish Government and The National Lottery. They enable artists and organisations in Scotland to develop great ideas and bring them to life.
Provost of Inverness, Helen Carmichael, said: “The “Gathering Place” is a unique piece . Who would have thought, when this centrepiece was commissioned, back in 2017, that the world would have been transformed by a pandemic and human beings prevented from the most basic of interactions – gathering.
“I hope that it will not just be an asset to our city, but a place where people will be able to come together to pause and reflect on the joy of human interaction within the amphitheatre of the river.”
She added: “It is very clear that the artists have listened very carefully to all the views put forward during their My Ness consultation. We appreciate the time and effort the designers have put into the detail design, without losing the originality of the piece.
“The greatest irony of the “Gathering Place” is abundantly clear, and the fact it is due to be completed as we begin to emerge from the pandemic, provides hope that people can get together once again and celebrate with this unique landmark as a focal point.”
Tristan Surtees, of the artist team Sans façon and OSA, said: “I think I expressed before that the much loved River Ness is what should and will take centre stage. Our role, as artists, is to create a moment along the river to pause, to gather, to observe the historic, environmental and social qualities this wonderful asset holds for the city.
“Seeing the crafts people bringing this project to life, cutting and preparing the stone for installation, is such a privilege. What other city has world-class stone and the people with the knowledge, care and expertise just a few miles up the road. It is so exciting to think, in just a few weeks, this is something everyone will be able to enjoy.”
The Inverness Angling Club have been updated and fishing will be able to continue throughout the construction phase.
Photographs and graphics include artist impressions of the feature and an aerial view of the plan.
