University of Stirling announces Audrey Grant as new Artist-in-Residence

Award-winning visual artist Audrey Grant has been appointed as the University of Stirling’s latest Artist-in-Residence.

A native of Grangemouth now living in Edinburgh, Audrey’s drawing, photography and site-specific installation work is underpinned by intellectual ideas derived from, and inspired by, poetry, literature and philosophy.

Joining the University of Stirling for the academic year 2023/24, Audrey will be working closely with the University’s Art Collection and colleagues from across the institution to explore the ancient Airthrey Estate near Bridge of Allan, where the University is located.

One of her first events will be leading a free walk around the University campus and the spaces that are inspiring her research, as part of Stirling Photography Festival on Saturday 26 August.

Audrey will work as part of the Art Collection’s theme of the year, ‘Campus as Inspiration’, to create new work which will be on display later in the year.

The University of Stirling’s campus sits in 330 acres and is centred around a large loch and the 18th- century Airthrey Castle. It also features some ruinous historic buildings, including a hermit’s hut, dilapidated cottages and Logie Kirk. Audrey describes these as places of “concentrated solitude” that “collect and contain the past, present and future”.

Sarah Bromage, Head of University of Stirling Collections, said: “We are delighted to be working with Audrey as part of our year of looking at the campus as a source of inspiration. Our annual artist in residence programme allows artists to immerse themselves in the life of the University and to create works responding to the experience of being at Stirling.”

Through its collection of Scottish contemporary art and related events, the University of Stirling’s Art Collection works to make arts and culture a part of daily life for staff, students and visitors.

For a free ticket for the campus walk visit https://www.stirlingphotographyfestival.co.uk/2023