Inspiration from across the Pond will help secure gallery’s future
PHIL MILLER
A protest was held at Inverleith House, at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, after the change-of-use plan was put forward.
Kew Gardens in London offers themed exhibitions.
gardens should “establish a clear and compelling vision for an integrated programme of arts, creative and cultural engagement across the RBGE”.
Ideas it suggests is an exhibition programme to follow the seasons, each with a specific brief.
Spring would showcase emerging artists, summer would have a formal exhibition as part of the Edinburgh Art Festival, autumn would have “an uplifting project based on ‘joy’ when the nights are drawing in” while winter could focus on research, investigation,
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and curiosity. It suggests setting up an “artist’s house”, to invite a leading artists to curate a “living artistic environment in Inverleith House”.
It also suggests artist residencies, short “garden residencies” where a living artist has sustained contact with one of the regional gardens, contemporary art commissions, and collaborations between young artists and botanical scientists.
In a statement, the trustees and Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) said: “The recommendations
will undoubtedly help RBGE to build on its recognised artistic legacy and develop a more sustainable and integrated arts, creative and cultural programme across the four Gardens, including Inverleith House.”
They added: “Now we need to prioritise our tasks, which include establishing an Arts Advisory Committee, seeking partnerships and financial investment and developing an arts programme that integrates existing and new artistic events and exhibitions with our core work.”