Art loan scheme heads to region

A SPEED dating event is taking place in Dumfries today for charities, schools, colleges and non-profit organisations to meet artists and arrange to have sculptures on loan. The session at The Stove is organised by the Sculpture Placement Group (SPG) to mark the launch of its Loan Toolkit. SPG has already placed 70 sculptures with schools, colleges, universities, charities and businesses and now hopes to find homes for many more. Co-director Michelle Emery-Barker said: “We want to give more organisations the chance to bring art into the day-to-day lives of their staff and communities. “If that’s something that would interest your organisation, do come along. “Many of the available pieces were created for high-profile exhibitions or were on show in well-known galleries. Unfortunately, once an exhibition ends, sculptures often end up in storage. SPG Loan gives them a new life and enriches the lives of others.” Meanwhile, the Travelling Gallery, in partnership with SPG, is bringing a group exhibition called In Another Realm to Dumfries later this month, from October 20. It gives a glimpse of a world where civilisation has collapsed due to climate change and the artworks on show will also be available to borrow as part of SPG Loan. Taking part are artists Laura Aldridge, Nick Evans, Louise Gibson, Aimee Lax, Aniara Omann and Daisy Richardson. Michelle said: “The works suggest an imaginary world and landscape, where traces of human existence can be found, but where life is continuing without us.” Go to https://travellinggallery.com/tour-dates/ Above: Kenny Hunter's piece is one of those available to loan. Pic by Neil Hanna