Councillors have issued a call out for Dundonians to create public artwork for a new housing development in the city.

The new Leader of Dundee City Council and the Council’s Spokesperson for Culture, Sport & History are on the hunt for local artists to help create public artwork for a new community being created on the site of the former Stewart’s Cream of the Barley factory.

Councillors Mark Flynn and Lynn Short visited Persimmon’s Stewarts Loan development recently to see how work is progressing on the transformation of the former bottling facility into a new development of 71 high-quality, energy-efficient homes.

As part of the development, Persimmon will be installing public art on the site and the home-builder is inviting locals to help them link the area’s past with the present.

Budding artists will have a budget of £15,000 to design and deliver their artwork on the site.

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The successful applicant will be invited to work alongside the home-builder’s team of construction and technical experts to ensure the artwork takes pride of place within the development.

Councillors Flynn and Short were joined on site by Persimmon North Scotland Managing Director James MacKay, where they were given an update on progress with the new homes and discussed the wider benefits the development will bring.

Council Leader Mark Flynn said: “There is a demand in the city for good-quality housing and this is a unique opportunity to use public art to make this new development an integral part of the community.

“Art plays a key role in shaping Dundee, with some incredible pieces of public art across the city and I look forward to welcoming people’s creative entries and adding more public art that celebrates our past and present.” 

Culture, History and Sport Spokesperson for Dundee City Council Lynne Short said: “This can be an exciting opportunity for an artist to create something that will have a lasting impact for those that live here. 

“Dundee has a rich history and an exciting future and this is a great way for an artist to reflect that in a piece of public art for the community to enjoy for years to come.” 

James MacKay, Persimmon North Scotland Managing Director, said: “As we deliver much-needed new homes in Dundee, we also want to provide exciting opportunities for local people – from jobs and apprenticeships to designing the public artwork that will take pride of place on the development.

“We want that artwork to provide a platform for showcasing some of the best local talent and I would encourage any local artists to get in touch with their ideas.”

Anyone interested can submit their proposals for the artwork by completing the Persimmon Homes survey. Any questions on the project can be sent to emma.dewar@persimmonhomes.com.