Gerroff! (or User Feedback) (2021): exhibited at Dunbar Academy, UK

Sculpture Placement Group worked closely with Young People to foster more in-depth engagement with sculpture over a longer period of time than in previous pilots. They developed Team Sculpture in partnership with Young Enterprise Scotland. For the pilot they worked with Govan High School through their Positive Destinations Team, delivering a 10 week programme mirroring our SPG Loan Project. Team Sculpture afforded young participants the opportunity to explore contemporary art galleries and production sites, engage in hands-on art-making and spearhead the placement of sculptures within their local community. This comprehensive process involved selecting suitable locations, securing permissions, choosing appropriate artworks, liaising with artists, and managing communication, logistics, and marketing tasks.
The outcomes of Team Sculpture were overwhelmingly positive, with participants gaining valuable insights into the workings of the arts industry and honing essential employment skills such as presentations, marketing, and project management. Moreover, the program instilled a profound sense of pride and confidence within the group, fostering meaningful interactions with their community. Creative engagement proved to be a powerful tool for connecting with participants, as site visits and artistic endeavours provided novel experiences and access to previously unexplored spaces. By the program’s conclusion, participants were equipped to confidently articulate their opinions and perspectives on contemporary art.
The success of the Team Sculpture Project has not only enriched the lives of participants but has also provided invaluable insights for future endeavours. My work, Gerroff! (or User Feedback) (2021), has been installed at Dunbar Academy. After running the project at Govan High School, SPG relished the opportunity to forge new ground with Dunbar Academy, where artist David Sherry led workshops exploring contemporary art, creativity, and hands-on processes. The young participants worked collaboratively to engage with the arts, developing confidence and new skills along the way. My work, known for playful and narrative-driven installations, was chosen by the students to add a dynamic addition to the school’s environment.
Photo by Matt Barnes
Gerroff! (or User Feedback) formed the Hospitalfield Annual Sculpture Commission 2021.