STIRLING’S EMPTY SHOPS TRANSFORMED INTO ANIMATED WORKS OF ART
Stirling’s empty shop windows have been transformed into vibrant works of art thanks to an ambitious project launched by the city’s Go Forth Stirling Business Improvement District (BID), in conjunction with Scene Stirling and design agency Arch Creative.
The Street Stories initiative features a range of animated artworks on eight shop windows, including the former BHS and Argos stores, in a move aimed at revitalising the city as it prepares to welcome shoppers back next week.
The ground-breaking project, showcases the work of a range of Scottish artists including Jacqueline Marr, Michael Corr and David Galletly.
augmented reality
Each artwork is brought to life via interactive Augmented Reality (AR) and forms part of a trail telling the stories of Stirling’s people, heritage and history via mediums such as mosaic, dance, mural, digital and fluid art.
Go Forth Stirling Project Director Danielle McRorie-Smith said: “I’m thrilled to see Street Stories bringing the streets of Stirling to life as our shops and hospitality premises get ready to welcome customers back.
“The project is all about making the city centre more visually appealing by featuring bright and vibrant windows rather than empty shopfronts and giving some points of interest through the hidden stories behind each artwork.
“It’s been great to watch people stop to look at the artworks and read about the ideas and stories they represent.
“As Covid restrictions are lifted, hopefully more Stirling residents and visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy Street Stories and discover what talented artists we have in the area.”
LOCAL TALENT
Eight artists were chosen for the project following an open invitation to submit art celebrating Stirling which could be brought to life via interactive Augmented Reality (AR) - multi-sensory animation triggered by a free downloadable smartphone app.
rachel davies
roisin mckenzie
michael corr
lou carberry
JACQUELINE MARR
jacqueline scorgie
The other Street Stories artists are Stirling illustrator David Galletly and professional dance choreographer Malcolm Sutherland. (More on them to follow. David and Malcolm are also part of our first Scene Stirling digital cohort.)
CITY ART TRAIL
The project forms an art trail through Stirling taking in Port Street, Upper Craigs, the Thistles, Stirling Arcade and Murray Place with the aim of increasing footfall, enhancing the city’s appearance and highlighting which business premises are available for commercial opportunities.
Go Forth Stirling worked on the project with design agency Arch Creative and Scene Stirling - a collaborative partnership promoting arts and culture locally.
Joe Nixon, Creative Director at Arch Creative, said: “We have been able to give a platform to some of Stirling’s incredible artists and showcase their work in a completely different form.
“We’ve transformed these units into living pieces of art and created a trail for visitors to follow around the city centre. The animations triggered by the free downloadable app will give visitors an insight into Stirling’s rich heritage and showcase the artists’ work in a way that hasn’t been seen before.
“With such a wide range of topics and art styles throughout the Street Stories Stirling trail, we are confident there’s something for all ages to experience and enjoy.”
INSPIRE CREATIVITY
Kevin Harrison, Manager of Scene Stirling, said: “The trail is a fantastic way to showcase Stirling’s talent in a fun, interactive way; as well as entertaining locals and visitors to the city, we hope this innovative project will inspire the young creatives of the future.”
More details about Street Stories can be found here