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The Community School of Auchterarder public art project is an example of using artworks in the learning environment to create a more inspiring and motivating space in which to study. Phase 3 of this project involved artist Samantha Clark creating work for the interior spaces of the new secondary school. Three artworks are integrated into the fabric of the building and make reference to the local landscape and the history of the school.

See also:

Archive: Community School of Auchterarder: Phase 1 – Research & Development

Archive: Community School of Auchterarder – Phase 2: Primary Playground

Archive: Community School of Auchterarder – Phase 4: The Square

Archive: Community School of Auchterarder – Phase 5: Nursery & Primary Playgrounds

Artists

• Samantha Clark

Funding

SAC Award amount

£64,000.00

Project total cost

£103,500.00

Funding purpose

Towards the cost of commissioning an artist to work with architects on the design of the Auchterarder Secondary School.

(Please note dates and details correct at time of award.)

Consultation & Commissioning Process

In response to the artist’s brief, Samantha prepared sketches and models of her proposals. These were exhibited in the school library over several days and evenings. The entire school community had the opportunity to meet and discuss the proposals with Samantha.

An education programme titled “Eyes” was developed from the “Assembly” frieze. Artist Alec Finlay took photographs of members of the secondary school community. These images are part of a lightbox installed in the spring of 2005.

Whole project managed by PACE. Artist’s brief was developed by PACE in collaboration with Perth & Kinross Council, the project architects and the landscape architects.
A long list of 20 artists was sourced by PACE and a selection panel invited four artists for the four phases of the whole community school project. Samantha Clark was selected for Phase 3.

Outcomes

Four artworks integrated into the fabric of the Secondary School were proposed. Three were realised:

• Lie of the Land: nine metre-high wood panelled walls etched with the contour lines of the local hills
• Catchment: abstract flooring design relating to the river Earn and its tributaries throughout the ground floor of the secondary school
• Assembley: continuous frieze along 3 of the assembly hall walls. The images on the frieze are sourced from school photographs from the then current and former pupils
• Doors: The artist had made a proposal for the school entrance doors to be glazed with a design based on ruled feint. However, this proposal was never realised as disability/access issues demanded a different design resolution