Empty shops are being transformed into works of art to connect the residents of Cumbernauld with the town’s natural environment.
Although known for its urban landscape, an amazing 50% of Cumbernauld is made up of green spaces, making it one of the greenest towns in Scotland.
Each installation reflects the experience of an artist collaborating with a local community group at one of the town’s many green spaces. These ‘Living Windows’ celebrate the network of community parks, gardens and woodlands in Cumbernauld.
For the next six weeks, people can discover an amazing natural network that exists in the town by exploring the Living Windows in the Cumbernauld and Antonine shopping centres.
Funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Sharing Heritage programme has allowed the Cumbernauld Living Landscape initiative to grant local community groups the chance to work with some of Scotland’s best young contemporary artists and illustrators. Together, they have crafted bespoke artworks which capture the essence of these natural places, as well as the pride people take in them.
Cumbernauld Living Landscape Project Manager, Ian MacKenzie, said: “The town’s green spaces provide vital clean air, water and areas to relax for the 50,000 people that live in Cumbernauld.
“By creating these engaging works of art, the Cumbernauld Living Landscape wants to make people more aware of the nature on their doorstep.
“The Scottish creative studio Pidgin Perfect has done a fantastic job orchestrating the collaboration of community groups in Cumbernauld and three contemporary artists David Galletly, Emily Shepherd and Gabriella DiTano to craft these spectacular Living Windows.
“The artists’ approach was to create something out of the ordinary within the shopping centres that would capture the imagination of people as they walk past.
“These six Living Windows reflect six green spaces in the town and were modelled on Cumbernauld Glen Wildlife Reserve, Cumbernauld House Park, Cumbernauld Community Park, Palacerigg Country Park, Langriggs and Ravenswood Local Nature Reserve.
“The Cumbernauld Living Landscape is also interested to find out how people incorporate the town’s parks, woodlands and gardens into their daily lives. Everyone uses these areas in different ways for commuting, recreation and inspiration.”
“The project is asking for people to share pictures of how they use these areas by posting to the Cumbernauld Living Landscape Facebook page or tweeting @ScotWildlife with #LivingWindow.”
Cumbernauld Living Landscape is enhancing, restoring and reconnecting green areas of the town by protecting and improving woodland, restoring lowland peat bogs and connecting communities to their local wildlife.
Cumbernauld Living Landscape is a partnership project led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, North Lanarkshire Council and Forestry Commission Scotland, supported by community partners across the town.
Click here for more information on Cumbernauld Living Landscape