Published: 26 Oct 2016
Today sees the foundations being laid for Edinburgh’s new world-class contemporary visual arts space on Calton Hill.
By the end of 2017, under the direction of Kate Gray of the Collective and the City Observatory and in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic locations, will become a landmark destination for visitors and a space where national and international artists can exhibit their work and be inspired.
We are very excited by the future creative possibilities that this development will bring- Iain Munro, Deputy Chief Executive
The £4m restoration project will include conservation of the Observatory’s original 19th century William Henry Playfair designs, its original telescopes and astronomical instruments and its grounds; the creation of a subterranean gallery, and the building of a new restaurant with enviable views across the city.
The Collective, which was founded in 1984 is internationally praised for its work with emergent artists and many world-class artists including Martin Boyce, Jeremy Deller, Claire Barclay, Moyna Flannigan and Callum Innes.
P5 Pupils from Abbeyhill and Leith Walk Primary at the Cutting the Sod Event City Observatory, Calton Hill. Photo by Lesley Martin Photography
When the Collective moved to their present site on Calton Hill in 2013 they became custodians of the City Observatory complex, which was in a state of serious disrepair and on the Buildings at Risk Register. But thanks to the support of various trusts, foundations and private donors - including the Heritage Lottery Fund, the City of Edinburgh Council, Creative Scotland and Edinburgh World Heritage - their vision to create a world-class destination for visitors to the City and a major international centre for contemporary art will soon become a reality.
The Collective's new contemporary art space is scheduled for completion and to be fully accessible to the public for the first time in history by the end of 2017.
Kate Gray Director of Collective, Amanda Catto Creative Scotland, Anne Bonnar Chair Collective, Philip Deverell Creative Scotland, City Observatory, Calton Hill. Photo by Lesley Martin Photography
Kate Gray, Director of the Collective said:
“We are thrilled to be at this point in the project and are now able to see our vision becoming a reality. This innovative project is the culmination of five years of work and would not be possible without the huge amount of support from artists, individuals and funders we have received. We are very excited to see our plans progress over the next year and we look forward to welcoming people to a new kind of City Observatory when we open the site freely to the public for the first time in its history.”
Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture Convenor for the City of Edinburgh Council, said:
"The redevelopment of the Old Observatory on Calton Hill could be one of the most significant cultural and heritage projects to take place in Edinburgh. Known as the birthplace of astronomy and timekeeping, and situated with breathtaking views in the heart of the Athens of the North, the Observatory will be reinstated to the original William Playfair designs. This is a major step forward and the Council is proud to be working with Collective to realise this ambitious project. Soon, Calton Hill will once again be home to a creative hub of history, art and science for residents and visitors to enjoy.”
Iain Munro, Deputy Chief Executive at Creative Scotland said:
“Collective occupies a distinct and important position within the visual arts infrastructure in Scotland and consistently strives to bring interesting, intelligent and relevant work by UK and international artists to audiences here. The transformation of the City Observatory site marks an important milestone for the Collective and presents the gallery, the artists that it works with and the public with a rich and inspiring context for its work.
“The Collective in its newly developed home will provide a stimulating environment that will enable people to experience contemporary art, science and heritage in a new and original way – and we are very excited by the future creative possibilities that this development will bring.
"At a time when the challenges facing the contemporary visual art sector in Scotland have been highlighted through our recently published review of the sector, we look forward to helping support Collective to deliver its ambitious, compelling and confident vision.”
For further information visit collectivegallery.net/observatory.
Emma Henderson, Press and Media on 07977134614 or emma@pi-communications.co.uk
or
Katy Allison, Media Officer at City of Edinburgh Council on 0131 529 4452 or katy.allison@edinburgh.gov.uk
Photo credits: Lesley Martin Photography
