Our latest Public Art Project is now well underway, with our graduates working alongside artists Alice Griffin and Katie Anderson to create a series of collaborative artworks for the Women & Children Department at Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary.
Over the past few weeks, the group has been exploring a range of creative techniques including mark-making, collage, texture and pattern-making, developing ideas for a collection of uplifting artworks for the Neonatal Unit and breastfeeding spaces. Together, they’re creating designs that aim to bring moments of calm, comfort and colour to the families, children and NHS staff who use these spaces every day.
The project has brought together a series of online and in-person workshops, giving our graduates the opportunity to experiment with a range of materials and techniques while learning from experienced artists. Each session builds on the last, with participants’ own artwork gradually coming together to form the final murals and framed pieces that will be installed throughout the hospital.
As with all of our Graduate Programme projects, this is about more than creating artwork. It’s an opportunity for participants to gain experience working on a live public commission, develop new skills and collaborate on a project that will have a lasting impact within the local community.
Throughout the workshops, participants have explored mark-making, pattern, texture and collage, developing a shared visual language inspired by colour, atmosphere and storytelling. It’s been fantastic to see ideas evolve as the group experiments with different creative approaches and begins shaping the final designs.
Meet the Artists
Guiding the project are artists Alice Griffin and Katie Anderson, who have been supporting our graduates throughout the creative process and helping bring everyone’s ideas together.
Alice Griffin
Alice Griffin is a designer and printmaker based in Dumfries. She works across a wide range of creative projects, from graphic design and illustration to leading printmaking sessions and community workshops. Her practice is rooted in collaboration, believing that the creative process, the conversations and the shared learning are just as important as the finished artwork. Alice loves working alongside people and organisations to create work that reflects the communities it’s made with.
“I have always loved the work created as part of the Mural Project in previous years, so I’m feeling very lucky to be involved in this year’s project. Although I know Katie and have worked in her orbit before, this is our first time working collaboratively, so I’m looking forward to learning all I can from her and from the Creative Toolbox & Art Journal groups.”
Katie Anderson
Katie Anderson is a public artist based in Annandale, working across sculpture, sound installation, hand-painted works and social practice. Her work centres on developing projects alongside communities, creating collaborative artwork rooted in a strong sense of place. Katie’s creative practice explores how artists and creative action can activate public spaces and bring people together through shared creative experiences.
“I’m delighted to be working with Outpost Arts and this year’s creative cohorts to explore and create new artworks for the Neonatal Ward at DGRI. Each year we aim to sensitively bring together lots of voices and ideas to create meaningful artworks for public spaces. This project is especially exciting as I’ll be collaborating with artist Alice Griffin, bringing together our different creative approaches to support everyone taking part. I’m excited to see what we create together!”
The project is now entering its final stages, and we can’t wait to share more of the work that’s been created over the coming weeks. We’ll be posting more behind-the-scenes updates, giving you a closer look at the creative process before revealing the finished artworks once they’re installed at DGRI.
Stay tuned – we’re looking forward to sharing the finished results!