SPACE·RETAIL·MAGIC

Deveron Arts and Eva Merz

Space - Retail - Magic is a project about retail development, architecture, politics and morality in the North East of Scotland. Three public sites are included in the project: The Boulevard Retail Park in Aberdeen, an abandoned Tesco store in Elgin and the Market Muir (a public recreational field) in Huntly.

Deveron Arts commissioned artist Eva Merz to collaborate with Huntly based architect, Douglas Forrest, in an investigation concerning the managing of public spaces and how cultural, environmental and creative values are considered in relation to economic interests.

The project includes three large-scale pictures (digital, photographic collages); interviews with relevant people (town planners, economic regeneration representatives, retail managers, architects, as well as the general public); real-sound recordings and a final publication.

The outcome of the project will be a touring exhibition for the UK and Scandinavia containing photographic artwork, sound installation and factual, informational material. Alongside the exhibition public discussion events will take place. Taking a starting point in local interests the issues of retail development and decline can be taken to a wider and global discussion.

Award given: £5000