New exhibition celebrates community projects as part of Stirling’s 900th birthday

New Exhibition in Stirling Celebrates Community Projects for Stirling’s 900th Birthday

A new exhibition in Stirling is showcasing a variety of community-driven projects and events as part of the city’s 900th birthday celebrations. The exhibition, titled ‘Stirling 900: A Celebration of History & Community,’ is organised by Artlink Central and is being held at the Smith Art Gallery and Museum from today until February 24. An exclusive preview event is scheduled for Thursday, November 21 from 6pm to 8pm.

Stirling, a Royal Burgh founded by King David I in 1124, is commemorating its 900th anniversary this year, marking it as one of the oldest continually inhabited places in Scotland. The exhibition aims to highlight the Stirling 900 journey from its inaugural community event at The Smith to the present day. It showcases a wide range of events including the Walking of the Marches, the Station Square Stirling Timeline by artist David Galletly, the Stirling Makar’s ode to Stirling ‘Her Slow Beating Heart,’ and the launch of the University of Stirling’s new free online course ‘Heart of Scotland: History & Heritage of Stirling at 900 Years.’

Additionally, the exhibition features Stirling’s first Pride event, the 2024 edition of the Forth Valley Food and Drink Festival, and the Remembering Together Stirling programme. Artlink Central, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, plays a crucial role as a community engagement partner, capturing the impact and contributions of individuals, local groups, and the wider Stirlingshire community. Kevin Harrison, director of Artlink Central, expressed pride in the collaborative efforts across arts, heritage, and community organisations during the 900th anniversary year.

Caroline Mathers, director of Smith Art Gallery and Museum, reflected on the significance of hosting the exhibition as the museum marked its 150th anniversary concurrently with Stirling’s 900th milestone. The public is invited to join the exhibition launch and AGM by RSVPing to info@artlinkcentral.org.

Insights:

The celebration of Stirling’s 900th birthday with a community-focused exhibition highlights the importance of inclusivity and collaboration in commemorating historical milestones. Artlink Central’s dedication to showcasing the diverse range of projects reflects the power of art in uniting communities and preserving cultural heritage. The exhibition serves as a testament to the vibrant spirit of Stirling and its residents, past and present. Through engaging with local artists and fostering inclusivity, initiatives like Stirling 900 contribute to building a stronger sense of identity and pride within the community.