International artists queue up to work in Inverness Old Town

The Inverness Old Town Art team has been ‘overwhelmed and amazed’ by the response to their request for artists who would like to be considered to create a major new artwork for the Church Street elevation of the Ramada Hotel, Inverness. More than 70 applications were received from top class artists from countries including: USA, Germany, Norway, Bulgaria, Italy and Holland – together with a strong contingent from Scotland and the Highlands.

Following interviews earlier this week, three artists have been short-listed to work up more detailed proposals before a final selection is made. They are: -

IOTA project manager Susan Christie is confident that some exciting ideas will emerge. She said: "We could not be more delighted with the breadth and diversity of the artists who applied to transform this highly visible building in the city centre. Two sculptors, a textile artist and a design company that works with unusual and new technologies have been selected for the next stage – we await their ideas with anticipation and will see detailed designs by early autumn."

The project to re-model the façade of the Church Street hotel has been developed in partnership with the Ramada Group and aims to maximise the potential of this key location as a landmark for the city and another example of the culture and confidence of the region.

James Fraser, Manager of Ramada, Inverness said: "It’s an exciting time for the hotel as we add to our internal investment of £1.5m by tackling the outside of the building. Adding a significant piece of artwork to the building will complement the ongoing transformation of the Old Town and, with the international interest in the commission, it will take Inverness to the four corners of the globe."

Inverness City Partnership Officer Marie Mackintosh added: "The level and quality of interest being shown in our public art opportunities is an encouraging sign of the growing intrigue, confidence and excitement the city’s programme is generating. Inverness is now attracting attention on the national and international stage, and gaining a reputation as a place of contemporary culture."

It is planned that the chosen artist will be selected by the end of the summer and that the public will see the familiar 60’s frontage begin to be transformed in Spring 2009.

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