FOR THE past six months or so, Froghall, Powis and Sunnybank Community Council have been working with a group of six final year students from RGU’s Gray’s School of Art (calling themselves “This is Not By Chance” art collective) on developing artistic improvement of the busy footbridge and its walkway linking Powis and Elmbank Terraces in Kittybrewster, Aberdeen, (parallel to Bedford Road).
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The Project, spearheaded by the Community Council, benefitted first and foremost from help from Aberdeen City Council and the Fairer Aberdeen Support Fund. As well as these organisations and the artists themselves, local firm Geveko Markings also applied their technical expertise to the walkway, while the local community suggested ideas, especially nearby Sunnybank School who enthusiastically engaged with the project through their drawings. Finally, Gray’s School of Art gave assistance. The completed installation is entitled ‘Lots of Different Fish Swim Here’, and visitors will see why.
Dr. Geoff Goolnik, Community Council Chair, explained that the idea all along has been to give confidence, create a better sense of identity and well-being to residents and city-wide, national and international visitors. He said: “Our desire has been to transform a nondescript, much tagged connection into a vibrant gateway that hopefully uplifts community feelings and spirits. The installation allows as many people as possible passing through, young and old, from diverse backgrounds, to all feel encompassed and charmed within the many colourful environmentally themed aspects alongside references to local landmarks”.
The initiative will also feature in the programme of the Aberdeen ‘Open Doors’ festival over 10th/11th September.
