Annan residents enjoyed the Travelling Gallery

Annan residents delighted in the Travelling Gallery visit as part of the annual theme of ‘the rural’. Hosted by Annan The History Town Group in the Tesco car park, the contemporary art gallery on wheels is touring different regions of Scotland this year. The exhibition in Annan showcased a film co-created with the residents of Strathearn in Perthshire, as part of the Scotland-wide Remembering Together project. The aim was to foster collective reflection, remembrance, hope, and healing in communities post-COVID pandemic.

The 16mm film featured hand-drawn animation and footage of community spaces, along with oral histories and music by local school pupils and musicians. Creative workshops involving people of all ages, including care home residents, were held to gather stories of resilience during and after the pandemic. The soundtrack included a special arrangement of the song ‘Strathearn’ by Lady Nairne, a contemporary of Robert Burns.

Previously, the Travelling Gallery visited the Crannog in Lochside Park, Castle Douglas, through a partnership between the town’s Development Forum and The Stove in Dumfries. The exhibition in Annan attracted a steady flow of visitors who hopped on board or viewed it for free. The gallery’s presence encouraged local partners to invest in bringing art exhibitions to towns and villages, fostering long-term cultural commitments.

In summary, the visit of the Travelling Gallery to Annan provided residents with a unique opportunity to engage with contemporary art and storytelling. The exhibition not only showcased local talent but also highlighted the importance of community resilience and creativity, especially in challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Art has the power to unite communities, inspire reflection, and promote healing, making the Travelling Gallery a valuable addition to the cultural landscape of Dumfriesshire and beyond.