The delivery of a public art project for Winchburgh has taken a step forward.

Planning approval has been 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 engage with the local community to create new artwork which resonates with the town’s past, present and future.

Karen Mercer, sales manager for Robertson Homes said: “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.

Camille Archer, music and public art officer for West Lothian Council said: “The collaboration between community, developers and council representatives which has

enabled this project to come together is a great example of good partnership working in action. With the added opportunity to now engage with Robertson Homes in Winchburgh it has helped provide a great venue for the artist.”

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.”

The artist-in-residence project is the second of five projects to be delivered over the next seven years that seek to reflect a sense of place, the changing nature of the community, local heritage and the aspirations of future residents.

Applications for the six months artist in residence position are now being accepted from craft makers who also have experience in informal or formal teaching environments.

To download the artist residency project brief please visit the WLC public art page at: https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/article/71601/Winchburgh-Residency-Public-Art-Project-2022

More information is available from Camille Archer, music and public art officer, Community Arts, West Lothian Council by emailing: arts@westlothian.gov.uk

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