12 January 2021
Council puts out the word to artists to create innovative Book Swap Stations at Gourdon
Aberdeenshire Council is on the lookout for an artist to work with the fishing village of Gourdon on an innovative new literary project.
Funded by developer contributions, the ‘Book Swap Stations’ initiative will encourage residents from the two distinct parts of the village - the old settlement down by the harbour and more recent housing sitting above – to walk between the two, sharing resources and conversation.
The successful candidate will work with the community to oversee the collective creative process, design and manufacture the book swap stations which will be a bit of fun while reflecting the rich heritage of the area.
The top book swap station will be situated close to the primary school where the artist will work closely with staff and pupils, while the local community council will support the artist in creating the lower station, where the focus will be on history and tourism.
Both will be designed to be inviting and engaging - safe and secure for people of all ages to use – while being able to withstand the challenging coastal weather.
Books will be donated by the community and the local library service, while the stations will also host important information for tourists.
Councillor Wendy Agnew, chair of the council’s Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee, said: “We have several partners on board including Gourdon Community Council, Gourdon Primary School and our own Live Life Aberdeenshire Arts Team and Llibraries Service who are really excited about working with a professional artist on this project.
“With a population of less than 1,000, this is a tremendous scheme to get Gourdon residents coming together when it is safe to do so, sharing resources and becoming more familiar with one another.”
Kincardine and Mearns project officer Diane Henderson explained: “We are hoping to appoint an artist in early February, however we must stress that the project itself will only progress once national guidance around Covid-19 permits. Thereafter, all Covid-compliancy measures will be strictly-adhered to in both community and school engagement and with the finished Book Swap Stations resource.
“Coronavirus is impacting on all our communities including Gourdon and community engagement and resources are needed now more than ever. Working with an artist will inspire and give focus to a new community resource which will be unique to this village.”
The deadline for expressions of interest is 10am on Monday, January 25th, with online interviews taking place week beginning February 1.
For further information on the applications process, interested parties should email diane.henderson@aberdeenshire.gov.uk