Empty shops provide ideal framework for art project

WORK by some of Scotland's leading artists is being showcased in the windows of shops in the Capital that are lying empty because of the recession.

A series of 13 massive vinyl prints will go on show in the West End and on Leith Walk in an attempt to brighten up the areas and prevent fly-posting.

Among the artists whose work will go on show in the 5000 project is Joe O'Brien - well-known for his paintings on the 16th century Calvinist Reformation - who counts Sir Sean Connery among his fans.

Ally Thompson, whose paintings have attracted an international audience that includes Bob Geldof and Bono, has also signed up to the project, which is funded jointly by the city council's economic development department and tram firm TIE.

The new scheme has been launched at the same time as a council report has revealed that one in ten shops in "town centres" across the city is lying empty.

Glasgow-based Braewell Galleries was commissioned to choose the art work for the scheme. Marcus Macleod, director of the gallery, said: "The reason that the City of Edinburgh Council wanted this was to eradicate the fly- posting and rubbish that can gather when a shop is empty. In Queensferry Street, the whole street has been transformed by this and now looks vibrant.

"It is good for the artists too and they are thrilled at having their work shown in this way. When a painting is in an art gallery it is seen by two or three hundred people but on a street it can be seen by thousands

"They are all Scottish artists and we chose these particular images because they are very striking and we felt they would really brighten up the street."

The scheme is focused on streets in and around the proposed tram line and is being managed by Graham Russell, the "business champion" for the Open For Business group, which attempts to aid businesses affected by tram work.

The works have been erected in four empty shops on Queensferry Street. In a former cafe at 40 Queensferry Street owned by the Crolla family, a painting featuring an Italian street performance has been chosen in homage to the family.

Two prints depicting a "boys' night out" and a "girls' night out" have also been chosen for Queensferry Street, which Mr Macleod says is in recognition of the area being a major hub of activity at weekends.

Council chiefs are currently looking at ways of reviving retail areas that have been hit by the recession.

Leith has been hit hardest, with 19 per cent of shops now lying empty, followed by Leith Walk, at 15 per cent, Gorgie/Dalry, at 14 per cent and Corstorphine, at 11 per cent.

The fewest empty shops are in Morningside/Bruntsfield and Portobello, both with a vacancy rate of six per cent.

Councillor Tom Buchanan, the city's economic development leader, said: "This initiative has improved the look and feel of the area and is a great example of how partnership working can provide a creative low-cost, high-impact solution."