Stirling’s empty shop windows have been transformed into vibrant works of art thanks to an ambitious project launched by the city’s Business Improvement District (BID) and work from two students with a Forth Valley College link.
Second year Louisa Carberry (21) from Menstrie, in her third year of a BA Art and Design at Forth Valley College and Jacqueline ‘Jacque’ Scorgie (23) from Cumbernauld, who is currently studying towards her BA Honours in Art and Design at Stirling University after gaining her BA degree at FVC’s Stirling Campus, were among eight artists to showcase their creative skills in the Street Stories initiative launched recently by Go Forth Stirling Business Improvement District (BID).
The Street Stories initiative has now transformed eight empty shop windows and features a range of animated artworks, including the former BHS and Argos stores, in a move aimed at revitalising the city as it prepares to welcome shoppers back next week.
The ground-breaking project, showcases the work of a range of Scottish artists including art students Lou Carberry and Jacqueline Scorgie who practises under the name Jacque.
Each artwork is brought to life via interactive Augmented Reality (AR) and forms part of a Trail telling the stories of Stirling’s people, heritage and history via mediums such as mosaic, dance, mural, digital and fluid art.
Go Forth Stirling Project Director Danielle McRorie-Smith said: “I’m thrilled to see Street Stories bringing the streets of Stirling to life as our shops and hospitality premises get ready to welcome customers back.
“The project is all about making the city centre more visually appealing by featuring bright and vibrant windows rather than empty shopfronts and giving some points of interest through the hidden stories behind each artwork.
“It’s been great to watch people stop to look at the artworks and read about the ideas and stories they represent.
“As Covid restrictions are lifted, hopefully more Stirling residents and visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy Street Stories and discover what talented artists we have in the area.”
Eight artists were selected for the project following an open invitation to submit art celebrating Stirling which could be brought to life via interactive Augmented Reality (AR) - multi-sensory animation triggered by a free downloadable smartphone app.
One of those chosen was Forth Valley College art student Lou Carberry who uses her personal experiences of issues such as mental health to create striking works of art in a range of mediums.
Her ‘Reaching Out’ series of drawings, which feature a hand reaching out for help, are displayed in the windows of the Trophy Centre in Upper Craigs.
She said: “The project will make our city feel less broken after the year we've all had and it's been such a pleasure to be a part of it. The team who put the artworks together are beyond amazing and seeing my work printed and animated in such a way is something I never imagined happening in my whole career – never mind right at the start of it.
“I got emotional after seeing my work up on the old Trophy Centre and it shows just how far I've come not only in my artistic career but in my personal life too. Everything I create is about evoking a sense of emotion in the viewer and it created such a response for me.”
Stirling University student Jacque’s work is a colourful digital collage inspired by the environment which suggests a `bird’s eye view of the Earth’. It resembles the texture of stone and the colours of moss and lichen and has pride of place in the windows of the former Laura Ashley store in Port Street.
She said: “I think the project brings new life to the centre and lots of bold pops of colour and intrigue. I love my piece and the boldness of it caught my eye before fully coming onto it which I really love and hope it will have similar effects on the audience too.
“I love the piece just next door too [Michael Corr’s mural of poet Robert Burns at The Works]. I wasn't aware The Works had even closed - it really works well. I think the way the images have been broken up and shaped with the windows looks fantastic and frames it well.”
Linda Paterson, Curriculum Manager in the Department of Creative Industries at Forth Valley College, said: “We are delighted that Louisa and Jacque have been selected for this initiative, it’s a fantastic opportunity for them to showcase their work alongside established local artists. We actively support students by promoting opportunities such as this and it’s great to see our students grasp these opportunities and succeed. It is testament to their dedication and hard work that they managed to achieve this during the current situation.”
The other Street Stories artists are leading figurative artist Jacqueline Marr; Stirling illustrator David Galletly; professional dance choreographer Malcolm Sutherland; mosaic artist Rachel Davies; mural painter Michael Corr and fluid artist Roisin Mackenzie.
The project forms an art trail through Stirling taking in Port Street, Upper Craigs, the Thistles, Stirling Arcade and Murray Place with the aim of increasing footfall, enhancing the city’s appearance and highlighting which business premises are available for commercial opportunities.
Further information about FVC’s Art and Design courses can be found here . Our BA Art and Design course is currently looking for applicants beginning from our newly designed year one.
More details about Street Stories can be found here - www.goforthstirling.co.uk/street-stories
Stirling’s BID was set up in September 2017 following a vote and currently represents more than 600 local businesses with a key objective of delivering projects and services which improve the area’s trading environment to benefit businesses, shoppers and visitors.
For more information visit www.goforthstirling.co.uk
