What would it mean to combine an art gallery with a town? This was the question that was in my head as I was on the train to Huntly. I was curious if the question would be answered today. Personally, I enjoy being able to visit new places, and as Huntly was somewhere I had never been to before, I was very much anticipating going there and learning about Deveron Projects. The MLitt class I am part of (Film, Visual Culture and Arts Management) would have two opportunities paid for by the university to visit Huntly. We were expected to use these trips to get a sense of how we would make a project that would be about or even part of Huntly and Deveron Projects in some way.
Deveron Projects are an art project based in Huntly, where their main idea is “The Town is the Venue”. “The town is the venue describes the framework in which we work and contribute to the social wellbeing of our town.” says the Deveron Projects website. They believe that anyone can be an artist. The art is also displayed in the town, making it feel like the town itself is art as well.
Deveron Projects website
“The town is the venue describes the framework in which we work and contribute to the social wellbeing of our town”
Being in the town, it’s not hard to see why Huntly was chosen as a place to begin Deveron Projects. It’s small and charming, with a very calming atmosphere. It lends itself to being a town where the local community can be engaged with art in interesting and new ways. When we first got off the train, I was struck by how small the train station was, which was the first real indication of just how small Huntly as a town is. We also straight away saw our first piece of art. The “Welcome Home” sign, made by Anthony Schrag, as a way to welcome home weary travellers returning to their homes. It is also another way that the train station sets the tone for Huntly, by being friendly and welcoming, much like I discovered the town to be.
As we left the train station and began to make our way to where Deveron Projects is based in Huntly, I noticed how calm and laid back Huntly was. There weren’t many people around, so this meant that it was not loud or noisy like some towns can be. The atmosphere, in a way, is a reflection of how galleries are, where it is often quiet and meant to be relaxing, so one can focus on the art. I felt like Huntly had a similar effect, obviously it cannot be totally quiet as there are still people about and it is outside, but it did feel very calming.
Overall, I would say that the trip to Huntly was a good way to reflect on what art can be, what it can mean to people, and the ways in which we can experience art. I suppose art does not have to be locked away in some “cell”, which galleries can sometimes take on the appearance of. Places like Huntly can help free the art, and help it reach people that the artists who made the pieces of art can’t even imagine.
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