Big Beasts in line for community arts award

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A partnership between United Auctions (UA) and the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum has been shortlisted for a community award at the Arts & Business Scotland Awards 2011.

The successful “Big Beast” exhibition was supported by Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers and ran from June to November last year. It showcased the best of the animal paintings in the Stirling Smith collection, demonstrating the historic link between art and agriculture in the City.

Attracting more than 17,500 visitors, the exhibition and accompanying series of agri-related talks encouraged engagement between the farming community and the arts. In addition, the sponsorship, which was match-funded by Arts & Business Scotland with a Scottish Government New Arts Sponsorship grant, enabled the Gallery to host part of the Galway in Stirling Festival in June and the “Load of Old Pots” exhibition, coinciding with the Pottery in the Pens event at UA’s Stirling Agricultural Centre.

Now in its 25th year, the Awards scheme celebrates the best examples of arts and business partnerships in Scotland.

The nomination comes at a significant time for the Stirling Smith’s Development Fund Appeal, which is raising money to secure the Gallery’s future. Funds are needed for every aspect of the Smith’s development, including a complete refurbishment of the building and updating the displays.

Chairman of the Stirling Smith Trustees, Bailie Colin O’Brien, said: “We’re delighted that this partnership is being recognised nationally. We’re keen to expand the involvement of the local business community in this way and I hope that more Stirling companies will consider becoming ‘Corporate Friends’ of the Smith.”

David Leggat MBE, Executive Chairman of UA, said: “It’s terrific to be shortlisted for this award and we’re delighted that the hard work of the team at the Smith is being recognised in this way.”

Barclay Price, Director of Arts & Business Scotland, said: “The shortlist for the Arts & Business Scotland Awards 2011 is incredibly strong, illustrating the wealth of creative partnerships between culture and commerce happening across Scotland. This imaginative sponsorship is a superb example of how business and the arts can work together to make a vital contribution to a local community.”

The awards take place at Aberdeen’s Music Hall on October 26th.

-ENDS-

United Auctions – www.uagroup.co.uk
United Auctions (UA) are Scotland’s leading livestock auctioneers and procurement specialists. They operate a network of different auction markets across Scotland, including Stirling, Huntly, Lairg, Dalmally, Tiree, Islay, South Uist and an area office and lairage facility at Oban.

Arts & Business Scotland – www.artsandbusiness.org.uk
Arts & Business Scotland has been working for 25 years to spark new partnerships between commerce and culture. We connect companies and individuals to cultural organisations and provide the expertise and insight for partnerships to prosper.

Issued by JK Consultancy on behalf of United Auctions. For further information, please contact: Jenny Kumar on 07989 557198 or jenny@jkconsultancy.com

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