MIDLOTHIAN COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

STAGE 2 PUBLIC ART STRATEGY

PREPARED BY: ARTLINK Edinburgh and the Lothians FOR: Midlothian Planning Department AUGUST 2010

MIDLOT HIAN COMMUNITY HOSPIT AL Public Art Implementation Plan - Overview 1.0 1.1 Introduction Artlink has worked closely with the NHS Lothian Capital Planning and Premises Development to develop a comprehensive approach to public art for the Midlothian Community Hospital. Artlink has many years of experience of working in the arts in the public realm. The organisation has worked in partnership with NHS Lothian since 1985 and has completed many public arts commission in its hospitals. Artlink is recognised by the Scottish Arts Council as a national strategically important organisation and has Foundation Funded status. This status was achieved in recognition of the quality of the work it produces and the unique approach to working with artists and specific communities. In our work we place great emphasis on relevance to context and locality, supporting artists to work in a way where they produce creative solutions which encourages real involvement of target user groups and ties in local initiatives and organisations in the overall scope of the project/programme activity. In terms of developing the approach within the specific context of the Midlothian Community Hospital several converging elements have been taken into account. These are the: Specific function of the healthcare facility Needs and interests of the patient and staff groups Interests of the locality (e.g. demographic of visitors, local community) Local context (e.g. local history, location) Design approach taken by the architect Approach taken by the landscape architect These elements, together with a detailed knowledge of the value of the arts within a healthcare context, informed the brief for a lead artist to be appointed. The rationale for appointing a lead artist was to ensure a coherent approach to the different elements identified within the original brief for public arts as presented to Artlink by NHS Lothian. Taking this approach also allowed for involvement of local crafts people in informing and making some of the works. Specific attention was paid to the planning conditions intimated by Midlothian Council Planning Department, but also a wider view was taken in terms of the potential that the site presents. In response Artlink devised an outline approach, and subsequently an artist brief, that reflected two stages, the first which dealt with the immediate built environment (courtyards) the second with the larger site and the potential this brings to develop a more significant public arts intervention. James McLardy was subsequently appointed Lead Artist by a committee which included representation from NHS Lothian Capital Planning and Development, Staff, Public Partnership Forum (representing patient interests), Architects and Developers. (Lead Artist statement and CV attached at the end of this document). This committee, with additional input from staff, relatives and local community & businesses as the programme developed, became the core Reference Group for Artlink and the artists and ensured that the approach developed by the Lead Artist was informed by the needs of the potential user groups and the locality. The Lead Artist has also been responsible for ensuring that coherence was brought to the overall scheme and has had responsibility for identifying other artist and crafts people who were able to contribute their specific skills to the scheme.

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General Approach The Lead Artist has been working in Midlothian since the start of July 2009 researching the particular context with an aim of formulating responses which met the needs of patient, staff groups and the locality. Careful attention was paid to addressing the planning conditions intimated by Midlothian Council. The overall aim has been to create an imaginative and coherent response which has the appropriate longevity for this particular situation. In this research particular themes emerged relevant to the user group and locality and provided the context for the developing creative approach. The themes were: Design approaches specific to dementia and psychiatric care The history and context of the current healthcare locations (i.e. Rosslynlee & Loanhead) Local history concerning industry (e.g. crafts, mining, agriculture) informing the broader context Contemporary local industry providing an additional specific dimension Importance of social dynamics and inclusion in making sure that work is supported and respected in the long term Sustainability and environmental issues - specific factors which could add value to the artistic approach

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Taking these themes/considerations as a starting point the artist identified approaches to providing a sculptural response to framing or staging as particularly relevant to this situation. This would bring coherence to the treatment of the external courtyards and terraces of the new building with a similar framing approach also being utilised in the space external to the hospital. This main approach would also allow for the interior space to receive a similar treatment by presenting a specific context where changing exhibitions or semi-permanent/permanent works could be presented. This way of working evolved uniquely for this situation, but in fact is not dissimilar to an example of good practice in public art identified latterly at the Centre for Health Science, Inverness http://www.centreforhealthscience.com/Public-Art-2-g.asp . Taking the framing or staging approach has been the means by which some of the functional elements (i.e. seating) have been delivered but through a sculptural form which also incorporates some of the sensory elements. It has also allowed the different wards/hospitals to bring with them their own (trusted) outdoor furniture suitable for use by older people without affecting the overall scheme. Close consideration has also being given to the social and industrial history of the area. There are subtle references to the social and industrial heritage that have been brought into the overall scheme through the pieces within the external courtyard areas which suggest optimism and a sense of new beginnings rather than placing too much emphasis on the past. With the interior areas there is significant scope to work with local heritage providers (such as the Scottish Mining Museum) to provide changing displays to stimulate the long term patients within the hospital. In the overall scheme a collaborative approach has being pursued not only in developing the concepts for the artwork but also in the manufacture of the sculptural elements, the use and maintenance of the external spaces and the concept development for the internal spaces.

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Actual & Expected Outcomes Taking the initial brief and planning requirements as the starting point the artist has ensured that the creative response has been: Collaborative in its approach Sensitive to the needs of the specific user group (i.e. people with Dementia) Relevant to the experiences of the user group and locality Contextualised within the local history Providing opportunities for long term engagement with the locality

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The priorities for treatment were established with the Reference Group. These were the external courtyard spaces created by the new building form, Stage 1, and the wider site, Stage 2. Stage 1 3.3.1 The response for the external courtyards included making use of oak trees to be felled at Rosslynlee as part of routine estate maintenance and working with a local green wood specialist to create the sculptural framing for the courtyards. These include temporary seating, an archway and plinth elements. Using the felled trees has also subtly brought some of the old Rosslynlee site into the new. The designs have been inspired by arts and crafts shapes and constructed using traditional methods. The framing also allowed for additional interactive/sensory elements to be incorporated.

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Green Oak Frames for Iron Gates

Green Oak Bench

Green Oak Bench

Green Oak Garden Seat

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The basic framing and sensory elements created by the local craftsmen provide the plinths on which other sensory and sculptural approaches can be placed. The types of approaches explored and implemented are: Iron gates to be fixed to some of the designed archway type oak frames. These elements were identified as being specifically important interactive elements for the particular user group by staff and the Stirling University Centre for Dementia, and have allowed collaboration with a local blacksmith in the manufacturing of these elements. Another element which provides a sensory, social and historical dimension will be the turned metal elements provided in collaboration with MacTaggart Scott of Loanhead. The appointed lead artist has established an opportunity for Claire Barclay, an artist who works with this material, to make use of their very specialist production facilities to create high quality turned metal sculptures at low cost. The stage 1 works are now nearing completion on site, anticipated to be the end of August 2010. A full photographic record of this stage will be presented to Midlothian Planning Department concluding the first part of the Percentage for Art planning condition placed upon NHS Lothian.

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Stage 2 3.4.1. Outline Approach nd The approach for the 2 Stage for public art for the Midlothian Community Hospital site, the large outdoor area, was informed by the fact that what will potentially be missed at the new site is the opportunity for visitors to take their relatives for a walk. In response the artist started looking into the possibility of creating a landscaped area outside the hospital with a walled garden, with the wall being the sculptural element of the response. This type of approach was considered to ensure coherence in treatment in relation to both internal and external areas. The framing provides a focus which allows other landscaping elements and approaches to develop around it. Sources for this stage considered the work of Ian Hamilton Finlay, Piet Oudlof, Charles Jencks, Dumbreck March Art Project, The Hidden Gardens and many others. In developing the approach consideration has also been given in terms of how the patients and relatives identify with and navigate to the external space. To lead patients, relatives and the public to the specific features distinct paved areas were also considered. There was also potential to make use of further green oak framing to create coherence in approach between the internal courtyards and the wider external space and provide further focus to lead patients, visitors and the general public to the walled garden area. Further work to develop the soft landscaping is also being considered, both in terms of adding more detail and value to the landscaping and its potential for therapeutic use. This will be planned so that it can be accommodated within an overall approach currently pursued by NHS Lothian and led by the NHS Lothian Chairman with regard to establishing community gardens on NHS Lothian vacant sites. Progress has also been made towards establishing wider involvement in this phase of the project.

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Concept Development During the first of a series of community consultations at the Orchard Centre, Bonnyrigg it was collectively agreed that the concept of a walled garden was something people present were keen and willing to get involved in. A number of members put themselves forwards for proposed activities including design, construction and planting. It was stipulated during this meeting that the stage two art commission budget will be committed to creating a unique feature which, will act as boundary to enhance a community/hospital-led growing space (this is line with points raised during consultations with hospital staff over the last few months). Subsequent design sessions allowed interested parties to collaborate on the development of a number of forms using a range of possible materials, textures and colours, which included: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. Stone: dry stone, large boulders or slabs Gabions/mesh cages: with rocks, pebbles Brick: ceramic, hand made Concrete: small cast blocks decoratively moulded, site built (poured into wooden moulds), pipes, bought large precast blocks Surface/Finish considerations: pigments, painted, surface, aggregates, mosaic. Timber: decking, posts, logs, greenwood Earth: Rammed earth, earthworks such as ditches, mounds etc Planted environments: living willow, Green roofed structures, Greenwalls, rockeries, hedges, fruit trees etc. Recycled materials: tiles, tyres, brick, glass, plastics, barrels, railway sleepers, telegraph poles

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Final Design It became clear from these brainstorming sessions with the staff, and further community consultations, that the artwork had the potential to be composed of many different forms and functions. However after collectively compiling a list of the practical and formal design considerations such as health and safety, aesthetic appeal, potential functions, mental stimulation, location within grounds, positive health implications, the need for ease of access and sunlight, we were able to break this down into three main subject areas which were as follows: a. b. c. d. Earthworks with main door/archway feature Wall using aforementioned materials Centre/base functional area, such as outdoor kitchen A number of sculpture objects incorporating a number of these items

These main subject areas were then explored through a number of drawing/discussion based workshops with the community at Bonnyrigg Town Hall and have subsequently been presented to MCH hospital staff for approval in the form of architecture animations. Please see images 1-4

Image 1 Sculptural Interpretation of Walled Garden using stone providing a focal point for relatives and patients taking walks in the grounds

Image 2 Walled Garden Earthwork with entrance point

Image 3 Walled feature providing a focal point for social events and gatherings

Image 4 Connected sculptural elements providing a walled feature which frames a small community garden. The Main Elements / Earthwork, Garden, Archway & Wall

The resultant staff decision has led the commissioned artist to propose the final artworks using a series of drawings illustrating the final design within the site plan. Please see images 5-7.

Image 5 Green Oak Wall Organic form using 50 70 curved elements made from 150 200 mm thick green oak (for lengths) and 300 350mm thick green oak poles for uprights. Maximum (post) height 4800mm Estimated Length 6000mm. Artwork fabrication overseen by Malcolm Lemmon.

Image 6 Archway Sculpture Geometric cast Double Arched sculpture in a white marble effect. The dimensions of the standing arch section of the structure are 2200mm high by 1100 mm wide, with a column thickness of about 300mm (squared for the purposes of the volume estimate). Artwork fabrication overseen by James McLardy.

Image 7 Main Earthwork in context with Community Garden, Wall & Archway Landscaping/ earthworks A shaped and planted earth bund forming enclosure to the new community and hospital garden area. Setting out and formation now complete on the site. 3.4.4 Community Gardens As identified in 3.4.1, there is significant support within NHS Lothian for the further development of the external landscaped area through the creation of Community Gardens. This is an initiative currently led by the Chairman of NHS Lothian and being actively pursued within the grounds of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital. After making initial enquiries it is clear that there is scope to develop this concept on this site. Both NHS Lothian Public Health and the Midlothian Community Health Partnership are actively involved in supporting the development of healthy living through active involvement. Both have expressed support for the development of such an approach on the site. However further development would require a clear understanding of the contractual arrangements between NHS Lothian and Robertson Group with regard to landscaping and grounds maintenance. A clear management procedure would need to be established to ensure that further development is sustainable. Further resources required for this type of development can be accessed through community health care funding, climate challenge funding, coalfield regeneration funding, European funding (TyneEsk leader) and trust and foundations.

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Stage 2 Timescales Pending acceptance by Midlothian Planning Department of the general stage 2 art strategy presented here, it is hoped that the key elements identified above, the enclosing earthwork bund, the green oak wall and the archway will be delivered by December 2010. The Community Garden Project will continue to evolve over the foreseeable future.

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James McLardy - Lead Artists Statement Within the context of my studio practice I work with a wide range of both traditional and modern techniques to create sculpture, drawing and film works. Recent gallery based artworks have evolved from research into hermits, caves, wells, grottos and stone follies present in Eighteenth century gardens and estates throughout Europe. My studio practice plays an important role in my approach to working with the wider community as brings a high level of cross disciplinary interaction and technical ability through the sustained use of various workshop facilities at the Glasgow Sculpture studios. In parallel with work designed for the gallery context, I am involved with residencies, events and commissions which examine the collective notion of artistic exchange. Collectivism plays a key role in the development of my work and has had a major impact on the way I make work. I am particularly concerned with how the process of collaboration with institutions and the wider community can forge new, intuitive and inclusive ways to communicate concepts and ideas. This way of working would form the basis of my approach to the role of Lead Artist to support the implementation of public arts programme for the Midlothian Community Hospital Over the last ten years I have worked with a wide range of public bodies and institutions. I began working collaboratively in 2002 whilst on a three month artist in residence at the Whitechapel Gallery, East London. This residency cumulated in an audio art event in the gallery which was performed by pupils from a local secondary school. Since then I have worked with many community groups exploring many methods of dialog and developing a variety of artworks including, shelters, furniture, animations, flags, architectural interventions, documentaries and public sculptures. I have also worked on a number of commissions and collaborative exchanges with a variety of different organisations and institutions such as: Barlinnie Prison, The National Museum of Scotland, Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art, RMJM architects, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, the Scottish refugee Council and the Miners Welfare, Halfway

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James McLardy - CV

JAMES MCLARDY
502 Bilsland Drive, Glasgow G20 9JL t: 0 141 946 0653 m: 07968 067 129 e: j.mclardy@btopenworld.com
BORN 1975, Chesterfield LIVES AND WORKS: Glasgow EDUCATION 1996-1999 Fine Art, BA (Hons) Glasgow School of Art 1994 -1996 Architecture, Glasgow School of Architecture SOLO EXHIBITIONS 2009 2008 2006 Upcoming, Washington Garcia, Glasgow

Part Lost Objects, Project Room, Glasgow Ivory Stages, Glasgow Sculpture Studios Gallery

GROUP EXHIBITIONS 2008 2007 2006 The Faade Within The Embassy Gallery, Edinburgh Die Die - Transmission, Glasgow Secure in flames - Intermedia gallery, Glasgow

ES - (w Katrin Plavcak, Christian Schwarzwald and Lucy Skaer) Catalyst Arts, Belfast News From Nowhere - Radius, Glasgow Solo Show - Transmission members show, Glasgow Art Futures - Glasgow Art Fair
Film Screening, Miners Welfare, Halfway 2005

Re-Escape (w Transmission Gallery) - Hamburg, Germany Leviathan - (w Lorna Macintyre, Neil Bickerton) 90 Leather Lane, London Bow and Drill - (Project) Project Space, Tramway, Glasgow
Film screening, NMS, Edinburgh

The Beginning of an Endless Desire - (w Camilla Low) Glasgow Art Fair

2004 2001 2000

Last Chance To Turn Around - (w Calum Stirling, Marcus Mitchell), Glasgow Forever green - Paisley Museum Sometime Instant - Transmission Gallery, Glasgow Radio Tuesday - KIASMA, Helsinki, Finland Louder than love - De Zeyp Cultural Centre, Brussels World Tune Project - Helsinki, Finland

PROJECTS 2008 2008 2007 2007 2007 2006 2006 2005 2005 2004 2004 2004 2003 2002 Public Art Commission, (w RMJM architects), Ruchill Park, Glasgow Twinning, community project in Calendar Park, Falkirk Five Schools Project, Glasgow Public art commission, (w Jenny Crowe projects) New Victoria Gardens, Glasgow Functionsuite, collaborative sculpture project, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary Rule of Thumb, collaborative drawing and collage project with inmates at Barlinnie Film Commission, Miners Welfare, Rutherglen Pavilion, Modular gallery and community project, Cambuslang Extraordinary Everyday, collaborative project, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary Elbowroom, Community project exhibited in Gallery of Modern Art, Glasgow Architectural symposium, summer school programme, Sculpture studios, Glasgow Film Commission, Scottish Refugee Council and The National Museum of Scotland Sanctuary, Four projects involve refugee communities, Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art Audio project, Morpeth Secondary School and The Whitechapel Gallery, London

AWARDS and RESIDENCIES 2007 2007 2006 2005 2005 2003 2002 2001 Scottish Arts Council, Creative and professional development award Artist in residence, Scottish Sculpture Workshop Artist in residence, New Victoria Gardens, Glasgow Artist in residence, Rutherglen town hall Scottish Arts Council, Research and development award Scottish Arts Council, Research and development award Community artist in residence, The Whitechapel Gallery, London Scottish Arts Council, Research and development award

PUBLICATIONS 2008 2008 2006 2006 2005 2002 2000

Drawn from the Wishing Well, DVD published with RMJM architects Rule of Thumb, Exhibition Catalogue, GOMA Placed up on the horizon, essays by Niall MacDonald and Ruth Barker Recast - publication of drawings launched at the CCA, Glasgow Extraordinary Everyday - Functionsuite Catalogue, Artlink Edinburgh Sometime Instant - CD Produced Transmission Gallery, Glasgow Radio Tuesday - Cassette produced by Radio Tuesday, Glasgow

RELEVANT EMPLOYMENT 2007 2005 2003 2003 2002 Guest lecturer, MFA and BA, Carlisle University Tutor, Cardonald College, Glasgow Guest lecturer, The Department of Architecture, Strathclyde University Gallery Manager, Modern Institute, London Gallery Manager, Lisson Gallery, London