Plans move forward for Winchburgh artist-in-residence project

THE creation of a public art project for Winchburgh in West Lothian has moved forward after planning approval was given to transform a former housing development sales cabin into a venue for an artist’s workspace.

Housebuilder Robertson Homes donated the sales centre at its Glendevon Grange development to Winchburgh Developments, the organisation overseeing the delivery of the Winchburgh masterplan.

As part of ‘The Big W’, a public art plan for Winchburgh, the cabin will be used for an artist-in-residence to create artwork which resonates with the town’s past, present and future.

Karen Mercer, sales manager for Robertson Homes, explained, “The public art plan is a very important aspect of the Winchburgh housing masterplan and will leave the town a lasting legacy of a period of real transformation. When we realised our sales cabin could be utilised by an artist-in-residence, giving them a base in the heart of the community and accessible for local people to get involved in arts and crafts we were only too happy to help and we can’t wait to see what the local community helps to create.

“There are so many reasons why Winchburgh is such a great place to live and we are sure many will be encapsulated in the artwork which will be designed.”

The project is being managed by a partnership of West Lothian Council, Winchburgh Developments and the Winchburgh Community Development Trust.

Penny Lochhead, community engagement manager from Winchburgh Developments Ltd, said, “After such a delay due to covid, we are delighted to finally bring the long awaited artist-in-residence project forward this year. We thank Robertson Homes for providing the project a central base in the village through use of their sales cabin. It will enable community members and school pupils the ability to engage on a regular basis with the artist who will be based in the village for six months and we all look forward to the creative impact the project will bring.”