SCOTLAND
CULTURE
Iona Leishman Historic Scotland Artist in Residence Stirling Castle 2011 – 2012 Iona was invited to become Historic Scotland’s Pilot Artist in Residence as part of an education and visitors attraction, July 2011 – April 2012. This success resulted in a further two residencies at Historic Scotland sites for Scottish artists and it is now envisaged this new programme will build into the future. From her Stirling Castle studio, Iona discovered passion for Marie de Guise, mother of Mary Queen of Scots, and a desire to celebrate Scotland her through art. As a result Iona has been invited to develop arts research in residence in France (Marie’s birth place) as an ambassador of Scottish Art: Grasping her residency at Stirling Castle as a life changing opportunity and period of immense artistic and otherwise professional growth, Iona has demonstrated outstanding commitment to become a voice for Scotland. On April 16th Iona explored her experience with heritage, education and culture delegates at a national seminar intending to develop some areas of her experience across the country, specifically considering communities and economic regeneration. Iona has worked closely with colleagues from arts and heritage sectors to extend opportunity not only for herself, but others.
Iona’s work has led to a new relationship between the City of Stirling and the birth place of Marie de Guise, Joinville, France. Iona has been invited to Joinville’s Guise Palace recently by the Deputy Major, to discover more about the roots of Marie de Guise, Mary Queen of Scots and Scottish history. As a result, a revival of interest in Marie is taking place in both Scotland and France. Thanks to Iona’s advocacy, people are beginning to recognise the potential for a new alliance, built on common history, culture, art and tourism. Iona aims to visit during 2012 as an ambassador of Scotland to create a new body of work intended to be celebrated during Scotland’s Homecoming Year 2014. In the meantime Iona will be based at a 17th Century Alms House neighbouring the castle – from which to help develop a new studio base and ongoing recognition of how ‘arts in residence’ can impact on Scotland’s stories of yesterday and today. Iona has previous professional experience in PR with Scottish Heritage and is a confident, articulate and colourful speaker. For Catalogue ‘Sense of Place’ Iona Leishman in Residence at Stirling Castle please see www.ionaleishman.co.uk
Iona’s paintings in previous years looked to natural heritage – rather than social and political – for inspiration. Now commoners, kings and queens who lived, worked and died within historic walls are a source of her fascination. During Iona’s residency she became immersed in such histories and imaginings, and had time to explore the site at Stirling fully as well as take a fresh look at other major monuments as well – like Linlithgow Palace and Edinburgh Castle. (The former was where Marie gave birth to her daughter, the latter was where the Catholic French dowager queen died of dropsy in 1560, attempting to hold back a Protestant Scottish and English army).
Contact: Kathleen O’Neill Telephone: Mobile - 07549 304 097 Home – 01786 833668 Email: culturematters@btinternet.com Website: www.ionaleishman.co.uk
Index
Stirling Castle Scotland
73