THE STORY OF THE STORE

Presented by Caroline McNairn (artist)

The Original Idea

• THE STORE was originally a boarded up shop

• The original idea was based entirely on self interest

• The partners wanted a working studio, a space to stone carve and a small amount of community activity!

• And one major project a year resulting in an exhibition

The Main Actors

The Partners• Caroline McNairn –

artist in residence, exhibition officer, tutor and administrator

• Hugh Collins – sculptor and tutor

• Lorraine Dick Arnott – development officer

The Beneficiaries• Young people• Parents• Community of

Gorebridge• Visitors

What attracted us to the area?

• Proximity to a major cultural centre - Edinburgh

• Cost – the size of the space• Proximity of other artists• The area is rich in historical associations• The village sits on a hill with spectacular

views and the centre of the village is an intact 19th century gem

• The idea presented a challenge we couldn’t resist!

History of the Area

• Gorebridge is a rural village lying 10 miles south of Edinburgh with 6,000 inhabitants.

• Decline of Coal Industry in 60s and 70s. Few local employment opportunities.

• Closure of railway 1966• Bypassed by major roads south of Edinburgh• Gorebridge became associated with THE

LACK of mines• Expanding commuter population from 1990s

The Gallery

• Secured lease of building February 2003

• Restored the building• Professional design of ‘THE STORE’

brand• Fantastic and innovative lighting design• Introduced ourselves to the local

community and to Archie Pacey March 2003

How the sculpture project happened

• Windows smashed! NOT A GOOD THING!• Young people ‘better in than out’.

Willingness to take a risk with young people and to place trust in them.

• Sandstone, cable drums and stone carving

• One rule – no violence• The significance of stone carving

How the sculpture project has been implemented

• Planning and work with young people – 9 months, 12 hours each day, 7 days a week

• Applications for grant assistance for 1 year pilot project

• Setting up of systems from scratch • Purchase of stone carving tools • Rented space for sculpture

workshop

THE STORE PEOPLE

THE WORKSHOP

Improving the Quality of Life

• Presence of gallery is a signifier• Gorebridge has become a

DESTINATION again• Increased confidence of young

people and parents• Increased pride of local community

in their town• Provides a neutral meeting space

The Future

• The Café• Gardens of Gorebridge• The Gallery• ICT• Developing links

Lessons to be Learned

• Time and energy involved• Getting the budget right• Success can bring with it additional

problems!

Take a risk!

The benefits may be surprising