Artists’ in residence need volunteers for new public artwork
Two locally based artists are looking for participants to take part in their new film commission for the reception area in Nairn’s Primary Care Centre.
Funded by the Highland Culture Strategic Board, the Arts & Wellbeing project features two artists’ residencies at the Centre. The selected artists are Nairnshire based collaborative duo Katrina McPherson & Simon Fildes and Forres based Georgina Porteous, who all wish to involve the local community in creating new artworks to enhance the building.
The awarding winning creative team of Katrina McPherson (choreographer/ film director/ camera) and Simon Fildes (editor/ visual artist/ producer) have extensive experience in film, broadcasting and new media productions. Since participating in the Centre’s innovative Wellness Enhancement Learning (WEL) programme, as part of their research, they plan to collaborate with independent choreographer Janice Parker to make a new film piece featuring the hands of as many of Nairn’s residences as possible.
The artists, Katrina and Simon, explain that: ‘Hands are very expressive and individual. Our aim is to film a series of short ‘hand dances’, performed by people of all different ages and walks of life. Janice will help us to make up the choreography, which will be fun and easy to learn. By filming in close-up, people don’t need to be shy that they will be recognised, and yet will have the opportunity to take part in creating an exciting new public art work for the new health centre.’
Volunteers of all ages are invited to attend a workshop with Janice Parker on Tuesday 6th or 20th March, were they will learn some choreography for their hands only. No dance experience is necessary as Janice is interested in the creative possibilities that come from non-trained bodies and very experienced in working with people of all ages and abilities.
The project is being delivered by IOTA, Susan Christie from IOTA said: 'We are delighted to be profiling high quality artists from the Highlands who have forged successful international careers. We hope that this film project will enhance the experience for those who use the building regularly.'
So why not come along and get involved during the following drop-in sessions:
Tuesday 6th March & Tuesday 20th March
All workshops are free but booking is preferred; please call IOTA on 01463 724383 or email kirstenbody@hotmail.com
Arts & Wellbeing Residencies are funded by the Highland Culture Strategic Board through Creative Scotland’s Rural Innovation Fund, and are hosted in partnership between IOTA (Inverness Old Town Art), The Highland Council and Nairn Town & County Hospital and Primary Care Centre.