A number of local schools, community groups, residents and artists have already been taking part in the initiative led by GOSSIP Art Group and Arts Included and Scene Stirling to create large, colourful textile banners to celebrate Stirling’s storied history.
Participants in the project will work on individual segments made from repurposed or recycled fabric to be incorporated into the each banner. Each completed banner will be displayed around Stirling city centre as the 900th anniversary celebrations come to a climax towards the end of March.
'Help us tell Stirling's story'
Pupils from Bannockburn Primary School are among those taking part to help celebrate the historic milestone with their own designs are beginning to take shape.
Stirling Council Depute Leader Cllr Gerry McGarvey said: “We’ve seen people of all ages from all walks of life throughout Stirling really getting into the spirit of celebrating the area’s 900th anniversary over the last year.
“This initiative is a fitting way for communities to create something tangible to recognise the role that Stirling has played in Scotland’s history over the last nine centuries and our ambitions for the future.
“It’s humbling to see some of our youngest residents taking part in creating something that may well be preserved and looked at when the next milestone arrives.
“We want as many people as possible to take part in this exciting project, with the banners playing a prominent part in our Stirling 900 finale celebrations. So whether you’re young or old; a school; a community group or an organisation; get your creative caps on and help us tell Stirling’s story for this special occasion.
'Where to collect materials'
Anyone who still wishes to take part in the banner project can collect materials and a brief from Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, the Reclaimers Shop in the Thistles Centre or at Stirling Reuse Hub at Springkerse Industrial Estate.
Finished segments should be returned to Stirling Reuse Hub or to the Reclaimers Shop by Tuesday 25 February.
'Vibrant and diverse tapestry'
Audrey McMenemy, local artist and member of Gossip Art Group and Arts Included said: “Gossip Art Group and Arts Included are actively engaging with the community in this project. The heart of the project reflects our mission statements i.e.provide opportunity for all to engage with fun creative and cultural activities. We have been delighted to work with schools, local artists, Reclaimers and Reuse Hub to name but a few.
“This banner is an opportunity to put personal images and stories into the bigger picture. Everyone is welcome to participate. We would love artistic images and messages from people who are in Stirling. We want to hear from people new to Stirling and those who have been here all their life. There is still time to participate and make your mark.”
Manager of Scene Stirling, Stirling's cultural partnership, Kevin Harrison said: "This project is all about collaboration between local artists, cultural partners and communities. It is exciting to see the way participants have responded to reusing materials and fabric, generating creative ideas of how to represent Stirling and learning new skills together as they do.
“We look forward to seeing a vibrant and diverse tapestry of images that reflect Stirling's past, present and future included within the banners. It has been wonderful to see how Audrey has inspired so many to take the project forward in their own neighbourhood or setting"
'Delighted to be involved'
Hayley Cleland, Headteacher at Bannockburn Primary School said: “We are delighted to be involved in the Stirling 900 project. Our children are not only learning about their local history but have been given the opportunity to document their learning through the use of visual art. Being involved in Stirling 900 has created a buzz about our school and we are excited to share the finished project.”
Free community workshops taking place during February will also offer communities an opportunity to take part in the initiative. The sessions will take place at:
- Callander Connect – Thursday 13 February 1:00 – 3:00 PM
- Kippen Village Hall – Friday 14 February 2:00 – 4:00 PM
- Port of Menteith Village Hall – Sunday 16 February 1:00 – 3:00 PM