Tongland power station - Picture credit R.B Photography
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Three artists are inviting the public to join them for an unusual chance to delve into the past and future of power.
Jason Nelson, from Dundee, and internationally renowned photographers Ted Leeming and Morag Paterson are the artists in residence for Energise – a project exploring the history and legacy of the Galloway hydro scheme.
The project, run by Upland CIC arts development agency, looks at energy and climate change in relation to the unique landscape of Dumfries & Galloway.
On 27 April the trio will take part in a day of activities that includes an artist’s walk at Tongland Power Station, near Kirkcudbright, which has been supplying green energy since the 1930s and is a remarkable piece of early modernist architecture.
There will also be a trip from Dalry Town Hall to Earlstoun Power Station and back by way of the river.
David Edwards, of the University of Glasgow, will be giving a topical talk about sustainable energy for the world – which covers everything from Arnold Schwarzenegger to oppressive regimes and the overthrow of governments.
Amy Marletta, Projects Director at Upland, said: “Energise celebrates the Galloway hydro scheme – one of the great green energy achievements of the 20th century, which is still providing power for tens of thousands of homes today.
Picture credit R.B Photography
“Ted and Morag have been researching the history of the power stations and dams, looking at their environmental impact and the benefits of using water for clean energy.
“Along with Jason they have been engaging with the community in some unusual and imaginative ways.
“This event is a great chance to meet them – find out about the project and think about what a vast civil engineering project from the 1930s can teach us for the future as we battle with the effects of climate change.”
The power station tours will also be in the company of Graeme Dickie of Drax, which took over Tongland at the start of the year as part of its drive towards a zero carbon future.
Energise is supported by Creative Scotland and the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership.
An Energise exhibition will take place at Gracefield Arts Centre from 11th May
The event runs from 10am to 4.30pm on 27 April. Spaces are limited and each part of the day has as separate booking page on Eventbrite to allow people to choose whether to attend only the morning session or afternoon session. Booking essential. See weareupland.com/events/energise-event
