Annan Public Art Centrepiece Project
Soon to have a New Name!!
The Annan Public Art Centrepiece is a unique community project that will bring a stunning new sculpture to the heart of Annan, symbolising resilience, heritage, and the town’s future aspirations. The proposed location for the Sculpture will be on Battery Street between the Bluebell and the Cottage.
Created by local artist Nathan Robinson, this Centrepiece will honour Annan’s history and community spirit, while inviting residents to actively participate in its creation. The project is in partnership with the community and in particular with the Tale of Two Bridges Group, who have generously gifted the metal from Annan’s washed-away bridges, which were lost in the devastating 2021 floods. Together, these partnerships and community efforts will transform these reclaimed pieces into a lasting, iconic artwork that reflects the strength and unity of the people of Annan.
The Centrepiece aims to:
- Symbolise hope, resilience, and the communities pride.
- Involve the local community in every phase, from design to naming.
- Celebrate Annan’s heritage by repurposing historical materials.
- Build an attraction that draws visitors and unites local pride.
Key Aspects of the Project
Community Short Life Working Group (SLWG)
The project is guided by a dedicated Short Life Working Group (SLWG), bringing together diverse community voices, including young people from Annan Academy, local businesses, residents, and community groups. The SLWG meets regularly to discuss progress, brainstorm ideas, and make key decisions about the sculpture. This group serves as the communities voice, ensuring that every element of the Centrepiece reflects Annan’s values and history. Meeting agendas include project updates, site planning, safety considerations, and creative input, a collaborative environment for all involved. The next SLWG meeting is scheduled for Thursday 28th November 6pm start fro a 7.45pm finish in the Function Room at the Corner House Hotel.
Thanks to CLLD and D&G Regional Cultural funding we are able to bring a fantastic ‘Forging Our History Together community project:
The Forging Our History project, a key component of the Annan Public Art Centrepiece (PAC), invites the community to help create a lasting landmark. Led by blacksmith artist Nathan Robinson, these workshops offer participants the unique opportunity to craft individual metal pieces that will become part of the final sculpture. Each piece symbolises a connection to Annan’s history, and all contributions will be documented and preserved in Annan Museum. Aaron Wahab professional filmmaker will lead on the Marketing and Promotional aspect of the project creating a short promotional film that will document and highlight the communities engagement and participation in the project. You can get involved in this project either being interviewed for the film or by supplying old photographs, stories and video clips of the Bridges.
Don’t miss out on an opportunity to get involved in the community forging and filming project – contact Gail for more details: developmentofficer@annanthehistorytown.org
Community Forging Workshop Timetable:
| Location | Date | Time |
| The Courtyard (Christmas Light Switch-On) | Saturday, 30th November 2024 | 12 noon – 4.30pm |
| Annan Harbour (Winter Solstice Walk & Bonfire) | Sunday, 15th December 2024 | 2pm – 7pm |
| Newington Leisure Centre | Saturday, 11th January 2025 | 11am – 3pm |
| The Anglers | Sunday, 19th January 2025 | 12 noon – 5pm |
| The Bluebell | Sunday, 26th January 2025 | 2pm – 7pm |
| The Corner House Hotel (Launch and Evaluation) | Saturday 15th or Sunday 16th February 2025 (TBC) | 1pm – 5pm |
Why Not Volunteer!
Join us as a volunteer and play a key role in bringing Annan’s Public Art Centrepiece to life! The Forging Our History project offers 8 volunteer roles that provide hands-on experience and a chance to contribute to an iconic community artwork.
- Set-Up Volunteer
- Duties: Help set up marquees, tables, and chairs before each workshop.
- Benefits: Gain event-preparation skills and be part of a community arts initiative.
- Take-Down Volunteer
- Duties: Dismantle the setup after each session.
- Benefits: Gain experience in event wrap-up while supporting Annan’s cultural development.
- Forge Area Monitor
- Duties: Ensure safety around the forge by managing participants and enforcing safety guidelines.
- Benefits: Hands-on crowd management and safety experience.
- Archive Book Recorder
- Duties: Document each participant’s contribution in the archive book.
- Benefits: Contribute to preserving Annan’s history and develop archival skills.
- Participant Feedback Collector
- Duties: Collect feedback from participants about their experience.
- Benefits: Enhance your communication skills while supporting community engagement.
- Promotion Volunteer
- Duties: Engage with passersby, distribute flyers, and encourage community involvement.
- Benefits: Build excitement and community awareness while developing public outreach skills.
- PAC Stall Assistant
- Duties: Manage the PAC stall, provide project information, and encourage competition entries.
- Benefits: Engage directly with the public and hone your speaking skills.
- Filmographer Guide
- Duties: Assist the filmographer during the workshops on 30th November and 15th December, helping with logistics and capturing Annan’s story.
- Benefits: Participate in a creative process, supporting the documentation of the project.
Why Volunteer?
- Be part of a transformative community arts project.
- Gain hands-on experience in various event roles.
- Contribute to a lasting symbol of Annan’s history.
- All volunteers will receive expenses for their time.
Volunteer Meeting and Risk Assessment
The volunteers meeting will be on Thursday 28th November at 6pm at the Corner House Hotel Function room to discuss roles, responsibilities, and review the risk assessment.
Interested in Volunteering?
Please contact Gail McPhillips, Development Officer, via email at development@annanthehistorytown.org. Let us know which role interests you and your availability. Gail will follow up with details for the upcoming meeting.
Let’s forge our history together! 🔨✨
Fundraising for the £100,000 Target
We have a goal to raise £100,000 to bring this vision to life, and we’re thrilled by the support from people across Annan. Local residents, like Paul Harrington, are getting involved in unique ways – Paul will be running the 100k Canalathon as a sponsored run to raise funds for this project. Want to become a fundraiser yourself? You can start your own campaign or donate directly via our Localgiving page. Every donation, big or small, brings us closer to our target.
Ways to Support
- Become a Fundraiser: Start your own event or activity to raise funds. Contact us to get started.
- Donate: Scan our QR code to donate directly and make an impact.
- Volunteer: Join our team as a volunteer and lend your skills to this project.
How to Get Involved:
- Volunteer at the Sessions: Help with organizing, guiding participants, or assisting the artist.
- Forge Your Own Piece: Sign up for a session, learn about the craft, and leave 🌟 Volunteer Roles Available 🌟
For more information about this project please contact: Development Officer Gail McPhillips at developmentofficer@annanthehistorytowngroup.org