The open letter from the artists
AN OPEN letter to donors and the Board of Trustees for the Elsie Inglis Statue and the council.
“We are writing this open letter on behalf of the campaign supporters, those who have donated money, and artists blocked from entering the commission.
“We thought it was a fantastic idea that the Trust originally created a public art submission process to encourage local artists, and many artists championed the project and it’s fundraising.
“We do not support the decision of the trustees in hiring Alexander Stoddard. His consultation was sought during the ‘open for entries’ commission period, he had a financial interest and was therefore not objective. It is a clear conflict of interest for the board to have sought him out during this time. He has no clear links with Elsie Inglis or feminism and is very much not in the spirit of the original brief.
“We have no confidence in the trustees’ ability to manage funds raised or their ability to further manage this project.
“No explanations or apologies have been offered. The decisions made have been behind closed doors and without public consultation or scrutiny.
AGAINST THE GRAIN
“We strongly believe Dr Elsie Inglis would not support the sudden cancellation of the original open call for submissions and hiring of the Royal sculptor and the resulting blocking of women from entering the commission. This decision goes against the aims of the campaign. It stands in direct opposition to the core beliefs expressed by Dr Elsie Inglis herself. The Trustees’ actions are unreasonable, not transparent and the unjust and disorganised situation that has resulted reflects poorly on Dr Elsie Inglis’ legacy.
“Many people donated on the premise that this would be open to all artists providing opportunities specifically for women and emerging artists who are hugely under represented in the Arts and public commissions. Donations have been specifically in support of emerging artists.
“The Board has not been transparent or communicative with the public. The Board has seriously failed in its duty to the artists preparing to submit.
“We call for transparency and honesty from the charity. We hope that the charity will consider a new Board of Trustees and ask for volunteers. That the Commission is reopened and the decision is made with an open consultation, reflecting a positive light on Dr Elsie Inglis. Together we can honour the legacy of Dr Elsie Inglis with respect, community spirit and equality.”