The Borders Art Fair is taking place this weekend in Kelso.
The importance of the visual arts in encouraging curiosity, debate, creative thinking and innovation across all sectors of Scottish society will be highlighted by artist and Visual Arts Scotland president, Andrew Mackenzie at a talk during the Borders Art Fair in Kelso on 14 March.
The event takes place from 13-15 March at the Borders Events Centre, Kelso.
In his talk – The Value of the Visual Arts in Scotland, Andrew will explain that while the country’s creative industries are estimated to contribute £5.5 billion to the Scottish economy, the value of the visual arts should not be considered simply in terms of pounds and pence but as something much bigger and fundamental to who we are.
He will explain the value of art as a tool for positive change, as a way to learn empathy and encourage openness to new ideas and as something that encourages the creative thinking that is as valuable for scientists and entrepreneurs as it is for artists.
The mental health benefits of creativity will also be explored, with the mindful processes involved allowing the expression of a wide range of ideas and emotions.
Andrew said: ‘Art is probably the most important thing we have as a species. It’s not a luxury or an add on but in whatever form it may take, it is fundamental to who we are and often shows us who or what we are. It teaches many different perspectives and encourages us to experiment, to adapt, to look and to think.
‘For me, art has been my entry into an open world of history, travel, science, philosophy, the climate crisis and more.
‘In my view, art is essential and I hope that my talk at the Borders Art Fair will encourage people to think of it not as a commodity or for the elites but as something that may be the best way to connect us to everything else in the world, and to other people.’
As well as speaking at the event, Andrew will be one of over 30 members of Visual Arts Scotland whose work will be shown in a specially curated Spotlight exhibition of work by established and emerging artists.
The display is part of the Borders Art Fair’s three-day celebration of contemporary art which is helping to put the region on the map as a centre of exciting visual culture. Stands displaying the work of over 70 artists, galleries and collectives from the Scottish Borders and beyond are also featured.
Andrew will be speaking as part of a series of lunchtime talks supported by the RSA (Royal Scottish Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce). The other speakers are 83-year-old Scottish abstract sculptor, Keith McCarter who will talk about his work as a contemporary sculptor and Irene Kernan and Catherine Holden from Craft Scotland who will discuss the art of craft.
The Travelling Gallery will visit Kelso Town Square on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 as part of the event programme with a free exhibition of new work by three young artists based in Scotland – Amy Gear, Rhona Muhlebach and Suzie Eggins.
A programme of free activities for children has been developed aimed at engaging and inspiring the next generation of artists and the event will also feature a unique collaboration with Hawick-based Alchemy Film and Arts.
As part of the Borders Art Fair programme, two of the region’s most important historic houses will open their doors to host tours of their art collections.
Robert Adam masterpiece, Mellerstain House in nearby Gordon will introduce visitors to work by artists including Van Dyck, Gainsborough and Ramsay, while at 18th century Palladian mansion, Marchmont House near Greenlaw, visitors can see a variety of work including sculptures by Anthony Gormley and Borders artists Charlie Poulsen and Frippy Jameson.
Frances Fergusson, director, Borders Art Fair, said: ‘Art enriches our lives, benefits our health and wellbeing and encourages creativity in a whole range of sectors. Andrew’s talk is one of a number of special Borders Art Fair events that we hope will encourage and inspire visitors and challenge them to think about the important role that the visual arts play right across society.’
Borders Art Fair sponsors include McInroy & Wood Investment Managers, Marchmont Farms, Bruce Stevenson Insurance, Live Borders, Vivid Design Consultancy, Steven Rae Accountancy, Born in the Borders, Milne Graden holiday cottages and Airhouses Self Catering.
The Borders Art Fair is part funded by the Fallago Environment Fund and the National Lottery Community Fund. The event is organised by Border Arts Development C.I.C, a not-for-profit organisation that aims to support the region’s artists.
For more details visit www.bordersartfair.com.
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