Paint Outside The Box
The Project
When the directors of Glasgow Science Centre requested the Community Learning team to improve and transform a very grey and dull engineering box, that sits right outside the centre, we really needed to think outside the box! The possibilities seemed endless and sometimes that makes it even harder to know exactly what to do.
Thankfully the creative team over at Impact Arts and the young people participating in their Creative Pathways programme came to our rescue. Impact Arts is a community arts organisation supporting young people throughout Scotland to become more confident and overcome any hurdles they are facing.
The Design Process
We invited Astra, Ellie, Cat, Elisee, Euan, David, Peter and Jack to explore the Science Centre for inspiration. We held workshop sessions where we listened to the young people talk about their perceptions of public art they had seen, design styles they were interested in and the kind of artwork they themselves would like to see outside.
During our discussions it was established that the goal was to create a very colourful, creative and accessible piece of public art that visitors to the centre and passers-by alike could enjoy. The group shared with us personal stories about their hobbies and interests, and it was lovely to hear about their passion about all things STEM. Out of the brainstorming session the themes settled on were science, space, bio-diversity, a little history and Glasgow.
Katie, the creative lead with Impact Arts Creative Pathways was vital in the design process, she brought all their ideas and artwork together and hand drew them on a paper template. This allowed us to scale up and work out where all the artworks would be positioned on the actual box. There was a lot of maths used at this stage. Everyone involved recreated their own designs using the bigger scale, giving them the opportunity to refine their original sketches. Colours and materials were all discussed and jointly agreed upon to guarantee a coherent yet interesting colour palette.
Paint Outside the Box
Our group of budding artists didn’t complain when they were asked to head outside in full PPE (personal protective equipment) which included boiler suits, to brave the November elements and bring their design ideas to life.
Sunset on the Clyde
David, 19, is one of the young men who has just completed the Creative Pathways course. He loved his weekly visits to the Science Centre and made wonderful contributions to the artwork. The experience inspired him to pen a song, aptly entitled Sunset on the Clyde. here are the lyrics...
Working with the Community Learning gang at the Science Centre has been a real treat for all of us. The group really enjoyed the project and learnt so much. It's been amazing to watch them grow in confidence day by day and work so well as a team, designing, planning and painting together. I know they are immensely proud to have been a part of something that will be in the public sphere for years to come.
Katie
This project was a good experience and I’ve definitely enjoyed it! The painting was great, it boosted my confidence and speaking to new people has helped me learn lots of new things. I’m going to be starting in a volunteer's role at the Science Centre. I love all things scientific and the people are so friendly so it’ll help my mental health and I think it’s a place I could thrive.
David
Whilst painting his Pterodactyls in a shade of dinosaur green, Euan said about the project:
I'm feeling brill and happy to be alive. The project has been amazing and a great opportunity. It’s done me wonders! I'm ready for some part time work now and a college course as well as picking up my hobbies. It's been my aim for years and years to make electronic music and I’ll continue with art as a hobby too.
Euan
I walk past the same mural every day and every day I notice something different, something new. That’s an example of a great piece of public art.
Elisee
Partners
Paint Outside the Box was delivered in partnership with Impact Arts.
Impact Arts is a leading Scottish charity tackling inequalities in a diverse range of communities. Using creative engagement, they support young people into work and further education; provide art therapy programmes to schools; and tackle isolation in older communities with regular Craft Cafés.
To find out more about the Creative Pathways programme run by Impact Arts for yourself or someone you know who is age 16 plus, visit Impact Arts | Creative Pathways.
Your donations make a real difference!
As a registered Scottish charity, our mission is to engage and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to discover and enjoy science. Your generosity will allow us to continue to provide fun and informative outreach programmes for young people and to work with communities from the local area and across Scotland, making a real difference to people's lives. We appreciate your support.
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