Three billboards put up throughout Inverness in collaboration between artists and charities.
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A TRIO of charities and artists are behind three billboards which have been put up around Inverness.
Collaborative group Circus Artspace are spearheading the NOTICE project aimed at drawing attention to sometimes unheard voices in the local community, and changing people’s perceptions.
Circus Artspace is an artist-based initiative that aims to bring contemporary art into the sphere of Highland culture, and to support local artists. They hosted a walking event last Saturday to look at the art with the creators.
The walking event was designed as a way to showcase the art in a Covid-friendly manner. Organisers were delighted with the attendance, as more people joined in as the tour went along.
The billboards are at Eden Court, Market Brae steps, and the Inverness Creative Academy. The theme for the art is “celebrating the cultures and identities of our place”.
The first billboard is a partnership between Frieda Ford and Highland Pride. The charity seeks to protect the mental and physical wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people in the Highlands. Ms Ford graduated from Edinburgh College of Art in 2020 and specialises in film, socially engaged work, and digital collage.
Jacqueline Briggs, a Highland-based artist, focuses on environment, culture and people for inspiration. She was paired with Highland Migrant and Refugee Action, which empowers and brings together those who identify as migrants and refugees, strengthening community integration and social inclusion.
The final billboard saw Special Needs Action Project (SNAP) work with ¡P/HONK!. SNAP is an Inverness-based charity who look after young people with additional needs, providing social experiences which enrich lives and create opportunities for independence and friendships. ¡P/HONK! is a collaborative effort between Lotte Fisher and Henri Eagle-Wilsher. They work on the basis of silliness and humour, and like to draw people out of their environments with their art.
Shaun Fraser, of Circus Artspace, said: “By giving voice to often overlooked aspects of the local community we’re hoping to extend the Highland-image beyond that of long-worn stereotypes. We live in a fantastically diverse place – this project is about celebrating that.”
NOTICE was funded by Creative Scotland. The billboards will be on show until October 31.
