Paintings, drawings, photography, collage – throughout October we are hosting an art exhibition which I’m really proud of. As the castle’s education officer part of my job is to enable the local community to get the most from their heritage. This small show is a celebration of five years’ collaboration with just one of the many groups which makes superb use of Historic Scotland sites.
Reachout is an Alloa-based self-help organisation for people with mental health problems which builds members’ confidence and skills through art. Historic Scotland has given them access to places like Stirling Castle, Inchmahome Priory and Castle Campbell so group members can use them as inspiration for everything from sculptures to short stories. The results have been great, there’s so much talent there. I’ve been privileged to get to know group members, work with them, and watch their art develop and blossom. The exhibition, called Retrospect, includes around 30 pieces which have been created over the years. They are of many different kinds and most relate to Stirling Castle – like a lovely embroidered fleur de lys which recalls its Renaissance links which the French royal court.
The benefits of community education projects can be quite far-reaching. Some people gradually shed their shyness until they end up chatting confidently with castle visitors who stop to ask them about their painting or drawing. Others, who start off as participants, end up organising learning sessions for whole groups. These gains in self-esteem can feed through into other areas of life.
The collaboration with Reachout is also about people just enjoying themselves through art. The feedback we get is tremendous. One lady, called Maureen, says she has loved the chance to express her creativity through photography. Another, Sheena, sums up the feelings of many, saying: “It’s just like being back at school but this time it’s fun”.
Kirsten Wood, Stirling Castle Education Officer.
● Retrospect is in the Nether Bailey and runs for the whole of October. Entry is included in the standard ticket price for the castle.