Latest news with #ArtWorks
Scotsman
24-07-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Travellers call for removal of growing Edinburgh illegal travellers site after nearly two years in Granton
Residents who say their lives have been made 'hell' by a group of travellers in Edinburgh have launched a petition calling for them to be moved on. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Travellers first pitched up on the derelict site between Waterfront Avenue and West Granton Road, on the land behind the Lidl supermarket and B&M store, back in 2019. There are now dozens of campervans and caravans at the site in north Edinburgh. Smoke hangs over the Granton site, after a fire on Wednesday, July 23. | Submitted Locals living in the area said that the initial group were no trouble, with problems only arising when a larger group arrived on the site more than a year and a half ago. This group was joined recently by more travellers, who are believed to be those who were moved on from nearby Forthquarter Park last month, after locals there launched an online petition. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Angry locals in Granton have now also launched a petition calling for the travellers to be moved from Waterfront Avenue. Launched yesterday, Wednesday, July 23, the petition has so far had 52 signatures. The petition founder said: 'This issue has persisted for years, and it's time we take a stand for our community's safety and wellbeing.' Adding: 'The challenges we face on a daily basis are numerous and exhausting. Children on quad bikes dangerously racing along pedestrian paths, fires causing potential hazards, and aggressive dogs creating perilous situations are just the tip of the iceberg. 'The constant noise and even instances of abuse have cast a shadow over our once peaceful life. Additionally, fly-tipping has become rampant, tarnishing our environment and adding to the distress of residents.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Travellers at the west side of the site in Granton. | National World Local residents, who asked not to be named, told the Evening News more about what life is like living next to the growing group of travellers, with regular fires reportedly set at the site in recent weeks. One said: 'What a mess they have left around the place, particularly at the back of B&M. There was a large fire yesterday with smoke everywhere. And the kids are up and down on their quad bikes all day every day. 'The whole block is frustrated. It's a living hell. The police came here yesterday to say nothing could be done until someone gets hurt.' The large area currently occupied by the travellers in Granton has been earmarked for a state-of-the-art home for Scotland's national collection of 130,000 artworks, The Art Works, as part of the wider Granton Waterfront development. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The plans were approved last month, although the site remains occupied by dozens of campervans, caravans and other vehicles. Two photos of recent fires at the travellers site in Granton, taken by locals. | Submitted Speaking about the lack of action taken to deter or move on the travellers, one local said: 'It's not council land, so they have washed their hands of it. It's the Scottish Government that owns that land. 'Some of the travellers have been there since 2019, with more arriving in the years after. The group causing most of the problems came here about a year and a half ago. It's been hell since they arrived. 'It's mostly kids out on quad bikes every day, they are too young to be on those bikes, yet they are out all day and sometimes at night, causing a real racket.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Another local added: 'They rally around here on motorbikes pretty much every night. So I don't go out at night, I feel trapped in my home. I really just want them to go now. They have even got a cockerel and you hear it every morning. And the mess they have left around here is just awful.' Another group of travellers on the west side of the derelict land off Waterfront Avenue in Granton, Edinburgh. | National World And another Waterfront Avenue resident added: 'I would rather they weren't there. They have been setting bonfires which release toxic gases. I'm pretty sure if I did that the council and police would get involved. But they seem to have a law for themselves. 'I had an instance of young children aged between just six and eight carrying bolt cutters as big as them, trying to steal a neighbour's bike. I hope the National Galleries development planned for the site goes ahead sooner rather than later. Hopefully those plans start to move forward. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'However, there really needs to a designated area in Edinburgh for these traveller people to live, so they are not causing issues for locals.' The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment. The City of Edinburgh Council declined the opportunity to comment on this story. Speaking about officers reporting to the scene yesterday, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'Around 10.30am on Wednesday, July, 23, officers received a report of concerns around off-road bikes in the Waterfront Avenue area of Edinburgh. 'Enquiries into the matter are ongoing and officers are engaging with local partners regarding the concerns.'
The Herald Scotland
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Major Edinburgh art project in limbo amid funding concerns
The National Galleries of Scotland has been left in limbo after spending more than a decade pursuing plans for The Art Works - a purpose-built complex designed to open up access to its vast collection. It was previously announced that 97% of Scottish public art would be housed at the new complex. However, 20 months after securing planning permission, the National Galleries has admitted that it does not have the 'vital' finance in place to allow work to start on what it has described as a 'world-class home for more than 120,000 works of art". The Scottish Government, which has already committed nearly £10m to the project, has said it is still exploring how to ensure it will deliver the "best value for money". Earmarked for a site on Granton Park Avenue equivalent to the side of two playing fields, The Art Works is intended to bring the National Galleries collection, which is currently stored across several buildings under the one roof in a 'future-proofed' complex. Work on The Art Works project in Granton was supposed to start in 2024. (Image: John McAslan & Partners) It has warned that its existing collection facilities are 'over capacity and not fit for purpose' months after bosses revealed they had to raised an estimated £40 million over the next 10 months to carry tackle a 'backlog' of repairs at National Galleries buildings in the city to reduce the risk of a 'catastrophic' incident which damages works of art. The National Galleries of Scotland has been unable to start work on its next major building project, The Art Works, in Granton. (Image: John McAslan & Partners.) As well as delivering hugely-improved conditions and access for conservation and research, it will also be opened to the public to allow visitors to see how works of art are being stored and watch experts at work. Local schools and community groups will be encouraged to use the building, while there will be two new 'green routes' through the grounds of the complex as part of efforts to establish it as a new focal point for Granton. Work on The Art Works project in Granton was supposed to start in 2024. (Image: John McAslan + Partners) The Art Works has long been seen as critical to efforts to establish Granton as a new cultural hub, but has been overtaken by several other projects over recent months. While the National Galleries project has stalled, a £17.5m transformation of Granton's historic gasholder has created a new public park and amphitheatre for events, while Granton's historic railway station building has been converted into studios for artists. Elsewhere, a former warehouse complex has become home to The Pitt, a new year-round events venue, street food market and creative industries hub. The Scottish Government has already provided £9.3m to help pay for planning, survey works and early designs of the project, which was first announced in 2017 with a £75m price tag. The current estimated costs of realising the vision for the project have not been disclosed by the National Galleries, which insists it is still pursuing the project on the same scale as the scheme which received planning permission in November 2023. At the time, architects John McAslan & Partners, who worked on the transformation of the Burrell Collection in Glasgow and have been working on the Granton project since 2017, said they expected work to start on site in 2024. At the time, associate director Peter Lee said there were ambitions for The Art Works to become 'a destination that will kick-start other cultural initiatives in the area," as well as "contribute to economic sustainability by providing jobs and opportunities for other businesses, and support community pride and wellbeing." However, the National Galleries has admitted that it is unable to start work until it has 'anchor funding' for the project, which is earmarked for a site owned by the Scottish Government. The UK Government, which funded the 'Gasholder Park' project to the tune of £16.4m, has also been approached about the possibility of funding The Art Works. A spokeswoman for the National Galleries said: 'The Scottish Government has provided £9.3m of capital funds to date for The Art Works. 'This has enabled the National Galleries of Scotland to carry out extensive planning, survey works and technical design for The Art Works, which led to planning permission being granted at the end of 2023. 'However, we are yet to receive commitment from the Government for the vital anchor funding required to allow us to proceed with plans for this state-of-the-art building. 'There is a funding strategy in place, which starts with anchor funding from the Government. It is essential that we receive this initial anchor funding for us to implement further plans and seek further funding. 'When this anchor funding has been secured, we plan to source additional funds from private funds, donors and corporate partners. 'We have a successful track record in fundraising for capital projects and we are confident we will be able to secure the funds once we have the (anchor funding) commitment.' The National Galleries said it was too early to give a projected timeline for the project or an estimated cost. The spokeswoman added: 'Preparatory works have been undertaken on the land, these include surveys of the site and preparations in readiness for on-site enabling works and construction works. 'We have also begun planning and preparing the collection for movement once The Art Works build is completed. 'It will be a world-class, innovative storage and research building, which is vital to care for Scotland's art collection, now and in the future. We still aim to deliver the project to the same scale. Our current storage is over capacity and no longer fit for purpose. 'The National Galleries of Scotland hasn't yet taken ownership of the land designated for The Art Works and it remains under the control of the Scottish Government. 'In the meantime, we continue to meet with the Scottish Government, Edinburgh City Council and various stakeholders. 'Since the inception of the project we have been keen to ensure that the local community in north Edinburgh is at the heart of The Art Works. 'With this in mind, we have been working with groups across the area, We have worked in partnership with groups across the area, attending community events and festivals, and worked together on projects exploring Scotland's national collection, such as creating murals with artists in the local area. 'By forming these strong relationships early on, we believe that The Art Works will be a welcoming space for local people, offering a space to enjoy art, pop in for coffee with a friend, or attend an event with your family.' A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: 'The Scottish Government has provided £9 million towards The Art Works, this includes design and preparing the land for construction, and the 2025-26 Budget includes a further £3.1 million to progress the project and to cover temporary storage costs in the meantime. 'Discussions are ongoing between the Scottish Government, the National Galleries and the wider collections sector to ensure the project delivers the best value for money from any further Scottish Government investment.'
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sioux City student artwork featured at Southern Hills Mall
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — More than 1,000 pieces of original student artwork will be on display at Sioux City's Southern Hills Mall starting Friday evening. The annual display, titled ArtWorks, comes from the Sioux City Community School District. The pieces on display will represent all of the district's schools, along with students from every level from transitional kindergarten through 12th grade. Sioux City Railroad Museum to hold grand re-opening event The display will be near the Barnes and Noble location in the mall. It will be on display from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 2; from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 4. The display is free to view. It aims to showcase and celebrate district students' achievements in art, and help give community members a better understanding of art education within the district. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Goodwill Art Works with studio, retail store opening March 24 in Lambertville
SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN — A Goodwill Art Works workshop and retail art store is opening this month in Lambertville. March 24 is the grand opening of the local Goodwill's newest endeavor. It's the first Goodwill Art Works center in Monroe County, but there are two art centers in Lenawee County. Learn about the new center and Goodwill Industries of Southeast Michigan's other local offerings, which include donation centers, training centers and Michigan's first Goodwill Bookstore. Housed in a former Goodwill retail store at 7300 Secor Road, Suite 4, Art Works is an art studio and also a retail shop, where participants' work is sold. Like all Goodwill programs, Art Works aims to provide "life-changing opportunities for individuals facing barriers," the organization said. 'Most of the items for sale in the studio are made by Goodwill participants. 85 percent commission for most of the sales goes to the Art Works participants,' said Rebecca Molina, Goodwill Industries of Southeast Michigan's mission engagement manager. Art Works' hours will be 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. The open house is set for 5-7 p.m. March 24. 'The grand opening plan is to provide tours of the Art Works and Mission Services spaces, network, provide light refreshments and shop,' Molina said. Art Works has several dedicated spaces. 'The Art Works studio is a nice size. We have six workspaces, five featured artist areas, four communal artist areas and 'Dip a Brush Fundraising Art Installation' that the public can participate in. We also feature a dry-erase coloring wall and some pretty fun art installations," Molina said. There's also a make-and-take bar inside the center. 'Customers can create their own sand wax candles for purchase," Molina said. Lambertville Art Works participants also will sell their creations at Adrian Center for the Arts. Goodwill participants also can take part in hands-on workshops and learn business and employment skills at the art center. 'We see this program as a fun and engaging way for participants to interact with the community, build self-confidence and express themselves," Molina said. "This is a referral-based work program for entrepreneurs, artists and crafters. If someone is interested in joining Art Works, they need to reach out to a Community Mental Health or Michigan Rehabilitation Services caseworker." Lambertville's Art Works is based on similar programs in Michigan. 'When we were building our program, we partnered with MRC Art Works in Kalamazoo for guidance and inspiration. Recently, Goodwill of North East Texas visited our Art Works in Adrian and Tecumseh to observe and learn from our program to start a Goodwill Art Works program there," Molina said. The Lambertville Training Center in the same building as Art Works, currently serves 14 participants. The training center works closely with the Monroe Community Mental Health Authority, Michigan Rehabilitation Services and the Monroe County Intermediate School District. External employers provide employment through Goodwill. Beth McCary is the local workforce development director. Two years ago, Goodwill Industries of Southeast Michigan opened a bookstore at 8167 Lewis Ave. in Temperance. Previous Coverage: Goodwill's first Michigan bookstore opening March 3 in Temperance Molina believes it's still the only Goodwill Bookstore in the state. 'We have had many other Goodwills visit, with the hope of opening their own bookstore in their region," Molina said. "We get people from all over the country to visit. Many of the regulars are teachers, parents, resellers, retirees and children. We partner with Great Start Monroe and the Monroe County Intermediate School District for their Read Across America events every March. We put on Book-A-Palooza in August; this is a fun, family-focused event featuring crafts, games, entertainment and back-to-school readiness.' Youth books and fiction are the store's best-sellers. 'We have thousands in our inventory and update daily. The genres are vast: kids, fiction, non-fiction, educational, religious, science fiction, romance, young adult, history, art, entertainment, cookbooks. Many popular authors can be found on the shelves regularly,' Molina said. But, the bookstore sells more than books. "There is an area for Art Works artists to showcase and sell their work in the bookstore. Recently, we began incorporating some items that are related to books and the spaces we enjoy reading: For example, Harry Potter fan items, teacups, stuffed animal characters from books, etc.," Molina said. Bookstore hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays through Sundays. Book donations are accepted. 'Our whole store is donation-based. We have a donation center located at the bookstore that accepts all items, not just books," Molina said. Two years ago, the Lambertville Goodwill Retail Store, 7381 Secor Road, went from 4,000 square feet to 24,000 square feet. It sells a variety of items. "We are happy to say that the store continues to grow. We are grateful for the community that supports our mission: to provide exceptional opportunities to people facing barriers," Molina said. Like the bookstore, the retail store accepts donations. "We still rotate the shelves daily and do our best to be good stewards with what has been given to us. We focus on customer service and clean, organized stores," Molina said. Retail Store and Donation Center, Dundee Marketplace, 119 Waterstradt Commerce Drive, Dundee Monroe Retail Store and Donation Center, 255 N. Telegraph Road, Monroe Monroe Training Center, 251 N. Telegraph Road, Monroe 'Our Monroe Training Center had a renovation last year, and is just an incredible space where our participants can gather, socialize, learn various soft and hard skills that enrich their lives," Molina said. "We have a calendar providing options for activities, outings, community service and more. We partner with many businesses in Monroe for job skills training and support, like Walgreens, ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital, Habitat Re-Store and more." The Monroe Training Center currently serves 75 participants. Support local news: Subscribe for all the latest local developments, breaking news and high school sports content. Goodwill Headquarters and Donation Center, 1357 Division Street, Adrian. This location offers shred services, e-waste recycling, cardboard recycling and salvage services Adrian Art Works, 136 E. Maumee Street, Suite 15, Adrian Tecumseh Art Works and Donation Center, 1207 W. Chicago Blvd., Tecumseh Retail Store and Donation Center, 1400 U.S. Highway 223, Adrian Retail Store and Donation Center, 423 E. Michigan Ave., Saline Goodwill services offered in Lenawee County are: Club Goodwill, a service that places individuals with barriers into jobs Refurbishing, a program that teaches furniture refurbishing skills Youth Start, which works with vulnerable youth For more information about Goodwill Industries of Southeast Michigan, visit or email Rebecca Molina at rmolina@ For more information about the Lambertville Training Center, email Tracy Setzler at tsetzler@ — Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@ This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Goodwill expanding in south county with Art Works studio, retail store
