Artists aiming to breathe life into gallery

CULTURE Perth and Kinross have announced the three artists that have been selected to deliver two public projects at Perth Art Gallery.

Glasgow-based illustrator and street artist Ursula Kam-Ling Cheng has been picked to design new wraps on the pillars at the front of the Gallery on George Street.

Alongside her, Scottish artists Lindsay Grime and Ellietype, also known as Ellie Mills, will transform the building’s toilets with newly-designed murals inspired by the art collection at the gallery.

The commissions were chosen to try to enhance the experience for visitors to the building, which will reopen this April as Perth Art Gallery.

Both projects will not only aim to bring a new twist to the vast collection of Scottish art at the gallery but will also include the perspectives of the local community and celebrate the region.

The art commissions are a way to mark the next chapter of the building as it transforms from Perth Museum and Art Gallery into Perth Art Gallery.

It also marks the next step of the wider transformation of the cultural offer in Perth city centre, with the new Perth Museum opening up in the former City Hall in 2024.

Rhona Corbett, head of heritage and culture, said: “We look forward to welcoming back our visitors to Perth Art Gallery, and this refresh showcases the collection as a celebration of creativity and imagination of some of the best artists in Scotland.

“We hope that those returning will be inspired by the work on display and experience the beauty and power of art.”

Phase one of the new Art Gallery will open to the public on April 6 just in time for the long Easter weekend.

Visitors will be able to see works by artists including Alison Watt, John Byrne, William Crosbie, Lys Hansen, Elizabeth Blackadder, Wilhelmina BarnesGraham and Calum Colvin.

The Messy Museum family area will also remain open as well as the shop and coffee bar.