Unique Art Works Unveiled at the Shetland Museum and Archives
The opening of the Shetland Museum and Archives at the beginning of June 2007 not only enabled the islands’ most treasured and historical items to be displayed, but also granted the public access to a wide variety of unique artworks that complement and highlight these collections.
Shetland Amenity Trust commissioned a number of artists to create over 60 pieces of artwork based on Shetland’s culture and heritage. The work ranges from crafts, drawing and photography to film and multimedia projects.
The Shetland Museum & Archives Public Art Project is spilt into two specific strands. MADE IN SHETLAND showcasing the work of Shetland artists, designers and makers and MADE FOR SHETLAND inviting International contemporary artists to make work especially for Shetland.
An outdoor sound installation which plays recordings of historical and contemporary life in Shetland in response to wind speed; a colourful collection of carved works based on archives documents; textiles inlaid into the dining tables’ and knitted wire Shetland lace pattern lampshades in the Hay’s Dock Café Restaurant, are just some of the spectacular pieces on show.
The Art In Situ phase of the project incorporates artwork into both permanent galleries -alongside the artefacts - and within the Archives searchroom. Taking inspiration from the Museum and Archives’ collections, artists created a range of work including a Storytelling Machine, a digital interactive based on Shetland Archives, a collaborative textile piece sited in a drawer and a panel inspired by traditional basket-making techniques using plants grown and harvested in Shetland.
Art on Site, saw a range artwork and poetry commissioned during the early stages of the Museum & Archives project. This has created a stunning visual record of the construction of the building and the history of the site that includes etchings, photography and textiles.
In addition a range of innovative community projects, entitled Art Off Site, took place. These included a Shetland/Faroe Islands collaborative project based on making art and design work using the raw produce of sheep and Extreme Redd Up that saw young people combining kayaking and abseiling with making art from beach bruck (rubbish).
Karen Emslie, Public Art Coordinator for the Shetland Museum and Archives Project, said: “The art exhibited at the Shetland Museum and Archives is as varied as the artefacts on display but all the work is bound together by having Shetland’s culture and heritage as it’s theme. We have taken an innovative approach to the integration of artwork and worked closely with the staff, artists and local community in order to do so.”
The Shetland Museum and Archives also plays host to Da Gadderie – a large exhibition and community learning space. Hosting many different types of exhibitions, including contemporary art and crafts and historically based shows, Da Gadderie will welcome both Shetland-based artists and community groups, and national and international artists to exhibit their work.
The Shetland Museum and Archives Public Art Project is funded by the Scottish Arts Council, The Esmeé Fairbairn Foundation, HIE Shetland, LEADER+ and Shetland Islands Council.