We are celebrating the approach of the halfway milestone of our spectacular community arts project to regenerate the dilapidated tunnel in Alloway.
It's a double celebration as we revealed a £21,450 funding boost from players of People’s Postcode Lottery to help continue our work, bringing the amount raised by players for the project so far to £46, 450.
Chris Rutterford, lead artist, unveiled a huge new section of his mural with scenes from the River Ayr, Ayr town market, Dunure Harbour all peppered with portraits of local notables.
Chair, Ron Ireland said, “Reaching the halfway point wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our volunteers, supporters and funders. We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone for getting us this far and we are delighted and very grateful for this latest funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery. It’s the second time players have supported our project, and the money raised will help us move onto the next exciting stage.
“Chris is the passion behind the painting. He has delivered this latest stage of the mural, and it’s exceeded our expectations. He’s gone above and beyond, and this latest section of mural was painted alongside 700 people in the local area, visiting them in their community halls, nurseries and schools. He has collaborated with S3 pupils from Kyle Academy creating a scene along the River Ayr and S3 pupils from Belmont Academy painting the historic Dunure Harbour. He mentored HNC Art & Design students from Ayrshire College over a three-month period to create a spectacular Ayr Market scene.
“Other community groups who got involved in the mural in this stage of the project are; Alloway and Doonfoot Primary School Early Years pupils, Doonvale Nursery, 2nd Alloway Guides, Lochside Woman’s Group, Kincaidston Women’s Group, Troon and Prestwick Women’s Group, Ayrshire College Supported Learning students, and South Ayrshire Care Experienced Children. We are delighted to welcome some of the participants to the tunnel today to see their work included in the mural. It shows what can be done when the community works together.”
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “The transformation of Alloway Railway Tunnel so far has been wonderful to see and we are proud our players are helping bring the project to life, for the benefit of the whole community. We can’t wait to see what lies ahead.”
Chris Rutterford said, “I am so delighted the mural is being embraced and so loved by the community. I’ve now worked alongside nearly 2000 amateur artists, all involved in hands on painting, together we are giving this forgotten tunnel a new lease of life and an exciting future full of possibilities.
“I really recommend people come along and see the latest additions to the mural. It’s another 60m of mural to enhance the tunnel experience. Make sure you look up to the ceiling vaults with a canopy of flowers in between some amazing creatures and take photos with our beautiful fairy wings. This project is rapidly becoming a real hidden treasure and a must-see beacon of optimism and positivity on the Ayrshire cultural landscape.’
The public are invited to get involved in painting the next stage of the mural. Chris Rutterford will be hosting workshops in the Cutty Sark Arts Centre, High Street, Ayr in September. Anyone wishing to participate can drop in on the following dates: Friday 20,Saturday 21, Sunday 22, Monday 23, Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 September anytime between 10am and 4pm. Workshops are free, and open to everyone.
