New exhibition celebrates community projects as part of Stirling's 900th birthday

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A new exhibition is an opportunity to showcase a range of community -driven projects and events that have been a part of Stirling’s big 900th birthday.

‘Stirling 900: A Celebration of History & Community’ by Artlink Central is being hosted at the Smith Art Gallery and Museum from today (Wednesday) until February 24.

A preview event is also scheduled for Thursday November 21 from 6pm-8pm.

It combines with an AGM for Artlink Central, with the charity celebrating its 35th anniversary, and the wider range of inclusive creative projects that have taken place this year across the city.

Stirling, a Royal Burgh founded by King David I in 1124, is marking its 900th anniversary in 2024, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in Scotland.

The exhibition celebrates the Stirling 900 journey so far, from the inaugural community event held at The Smith, up to present day.

The breadth and diversity of events highlighted includes: Walking of the Marches, the Station Square Stirling Timeline by artist David Galletly, the Stirling Makar’s ode to Stirling ‘Her Slow Beating Heart’, and the launch of the new free online course by the University of Stirling ‘Heart of Scotland: History & Heritage of Stirling at 900 Years’.

Further highlights include Stirling’s first Pride, the 2024 edition of the Forth Valley Food and Drink Festival, and the Remembering Together Stirling programme.

The story is observed through the lens of Artlink Central, in a year that also marks their 35th anniversary.

As a key community engagement partner in the programme, they document the impact and contributions of individuals, local groups, and the wider Stirlingshire community.

Kevin Harrison, director of Artlink Central, who manage Scene Stirling, Stirling’s cultural place partnership who have supported engagement around Stirling 900, said: “At this halfway point through the 900th anniversary year, we already see so much to celebrate and share.

“The greatest legacy of Stirling 900 has been the number of partners and collaborations across arts, heritage and community with over 100 local businesses and organisations engaging in hundreds of big and small events. Some of these have included

Artlink Central collaborations with projects that have brought the streets of Cornton to life with dance, art and food, and new artwork welcoming people to the city centre as well as young people leading creativity across our area.

“We work hard to ensure local artists get opportunities to work in their area, and that people living with dementia, disabled people and many other groups who face barriers to participation get to be a part of what makes Stirling and Forth Valley special and distinctive.

“Stirling 900 represents the power of people working together inclusively, and that is what Artlink Central is all about. This exhibition is as much about our present and future as it is about the past 900 years.”

Caroline Mathers, director of Smith Art Gallery and Museum added: “2024 has been a landmark year for The Smith, as we celebrated 150 years of serving our community and telling Stirling’s story through art and objects.

“This celebration was made all the more special due to it coinciding with Stirling’s 900th anniversary. It seems fitting to end the year with an exhibition by Artlink Central, celebrating Stirling’s history and achievements over the last 900 years.”

The public can RSVP to join the exhibition launch and AGM at info@artlinkcentral.org.

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