A community arts project focused on Inverness Airport is culminating with the installation of works of art in the terminal, the publication of an anthology of poetry and a display of works by Highland artists.

The completion of the Inverness Airport Gateway Art Project is being celebrated tomorrow (April 28) between 1230 and 1430 at Inverness Airport’s terminal building.

The ceremony will mark the unveiling of 12 permanent display banners, an anthology of poems, a tapestry, a commissioned painting and a temporary exhibition. The project’s recent recognition in the Nairn Tourism Awards will also be celebrated.

The project was principally funded by the Scottish Arts Council National Lottery Fund with additional funding from Arts and Business New Partners, Inverness and Nairn Enterprise, The Highland Council and Writers in Scotland, and supported by Highlands and Islands Airports.  Loganair and Highland Airways sponsored the project by providing air travel for the travelling writer in residence.

The 10 month project was based around the theme of aviation and what it means to the remoter regions of Scotland. An art project co-ordinator, two writers in residence, a weaver and a painter were commissioned to work on the project, which involved travellers at airports operated by HIAL and the communities surrounding them.

HIAL staff were involved in the selection process of all the artists working on the project and were consulted on decisions regarding the writers and artists work.

Poems written by Liz Niven and pupils from Ardersier Primary and Nairn Academy feature in the anthology and display banners, which are now installed in Inverness terminal. The anthologies will be available free of charge from each of the 10 airports operated by HIAL.

An artist in residence and a painter each produced a piece of art for permanent display at Inverness Airport. Joan Baxter, a weaver, worked on her loom within the terminal to produce a tapestry entitled “Autumn Journey”. Members of the public and staff were invited to participate in the weaving of the Highland landscape.

James Hawkins, a painter who lives and works in Rhue near Ullapool, has contributed an expressionistic painting depicting the effects of the four seasons on a Highland landscape. Both the artists liaised with HIAL staff and members of the public before commencing work on their creations.

A selection of work from up-and-coming and prominent Highland artists will also be on show for three months at Inverness terminal. It is hoped that this will be the beginning of a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions by artists living and working in the region.

Caroline Storey, Gateway Art Project co-ordinator, said: “The project has been well received by all those involved in it and this has made it a great success.”

Sheena Mitchell, Inverness Airport Terminal Manager, said: “HIAL is the first airport operator in Britain to undertake such an ambitious project to involve the community and its staff in giving its airports a cultural identity. For many travellers to the Highlands and Islands the airport is their first experience of the region, so it is vital that they are made to feel welcome and are given a taste of the area.”

Amanda Catto, head of visual arts at the Scottish Arts Council, commented: “The culmination of this project is truly a reason to celebrate. During the project's 10-month life the community of Inverness has seen a range of vibrant creative projects.  As a result, Inverness Airport has been a hub of creativity and illustrated to the thousands of travellers passing through the airport what a fantastic artistic scene we have in Scotland.”

Barclay Price, Director of Arts & Business Scotland, added:  “Our New Partners funding encourages business to become more involved and creative in supporting the arts. It’s great to see Inverness Airport involving the whole community from staff to schools in their sponsorship.  A splendid example of how the arts can be used to bring both brand and community benefits.”
 
ENDS