Cycling News

Artworks wanted for Scottish forest MTB trails

Sustrans has long championed the installation of thought-provoking artworks on its traffic-free trails and now 7Stanes, the Scottish mountain bike routes provider, is looking to get arty, too.

Artists and arts practitioners are being offered the opportunity to bring art to mountain bike trails in the South of Scotland, as part of the second phase of the 7stanes mountain bike project.

Forestry Commission Scotland and partners in the 7stanes project are proposing to create unique art features at points deep within each of the eight forest sites concerned - Tweed Valley, Mabie, Dalbeattie, Ae, Newcastleton, Kirroughtree and Glentrool.

Bob Jones, Head of Design and Interpretative Services for Forestry Commission Scotland, said:

"Forestry Commission Scotland are always looking for ways to enhance the experience for all users of our forests, including mountain bikers.

"One way we have done this in the past is to create unique art installations at selected locations. We feel that this approach would add another stimulating dimension to the 7stanes trails and help in attracting even more people to visit our forests in the South of Scotland."

The partners in the initiative - Dumfries & Galloway Arts Association; Dumfries & Galloway Council; Scottish Borders Council and Scottish Natural Heritage - are keeping an "open mind" on the type of installations.

This includes seeking proposals for performance, aural, virtual or other media if the context is appropriate. The art should appeal to all forest users, including walkers, families and other sports users, as well as mountain bikers and all art installations should be sustainable, leaving a long-term legacy for future forest users to enjoy.

Suitably experienced artists and arts practitioners working in, or associated with, the South Of Scotland are being asked to send any expressions of interest. These should be received by February 9 2007 and include a short narrative of ideas, a CV and some examples of previous relevant work. Full particulars can be obtained from http://www.7stanes.gov.uk

Published Saturday 13 January 2007