MSP backs campaign celebrating power of art
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SCAN’s annual #Art Unlocks campaign saw Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Karen Adam visit the studio of Banff-based artist Bryan Angus.
It celebrates the everyday power of art by encouraging people to visit a gallery, take part in an art activity, or seek an artistic experience that really means something to them.
After a busy day doing local surgeries, Ms Adam joined the SCAN team at Bryan’s studio to see his work, which is a beautiful documentation of the town in which he lives.
Bryan is inspired by the rich history of the local coast, and alongside his own artwork has worked with a number of companies to provide illustrations, murals and packaging for whisky.
Clients include Oban Distillery, The Wallace Monument, Stirling and Arbikie Highland Rye. Over the years, Bryan has amassed an incredible archive of artworks, which helps viewers understand the unique place he calls home.
After working in London and also in Bristol as an arts officer for 12 years, Bryan returned to Banff a number of years ago, running the Creative Retreat in Gardenstown for 15 years.
In 2018, Bryan and his wife Carla closed the Creative Retreat so that he could focus on his own art. Other local projects Bryan has worked on include initiating studio projects and running art classes.
On the day, Ms Adam learned more about the printmaking techniques that Bryan uses to make his work, and they talked about possible places where art could be displayed in the town.
Ms Adam commented on how much creativity is waiting to be discovered in her constituency, and pointed out that we cannot underestimate the power of art in areas of wellbeing, education, tourism and mental health.
There was also discussion about how spaces in Banff town centre could be brought back to life through art.
Ms Adam got a sneak preview of a mural that Bryan is currently painting which will eventually be on display in the town centre.
Each summer, SCAN celebrates the power of contemporary art by encouraging people around Scotland to share the #ArtUnlocks hashtag and hosting MSPs at arts venues and artists’ studios across Scotland.
This year, the #ArtUnlocks campaign is all about sharing the everyday power of art. Contemporary art has the power to enhance lives and enrich communities, give people new tools for thinking and doing in their everyday life, and provide that small but vital extra element that makes life special.
So far, SCAN has hosted MSPs around the country, including Kevin Stewart, minister for mental wellbeing and social care, at Peacock Print Studio in Aberdeen.
Mr Stewart learned about the studio’s vital work with the local community, including through its Boredom Boxes, activity packs created with, and sent out to, local families and young people facing economic vulnerability.
After her visit, Ms Adam said: “We have dense areas of amazing art and culture waiting to be discovered.
"Bryan has an incredibly inspiring talent. A real asset. Art should have a priority in policy.
"We can’t underestimate the power for the creator, and the admirer’s mental health.”
