BBC Scotland launches new art project to draw on creative potential of BBC Archive

BBC Scotland, in partnership with Creative Scotland and LUX arts agency, is launching the ’Artists and Archive: Artist Moving Image’ project, which is looking for six Scotland-based artists, who work with the moving image, to go through the archives to create new artworks.

Creative Scotland will provide bursary support for the six artists – who could be emerging or established – while BBC Scotland provides access, technical development and support to chosen participants with further input from LUX, an arts agency which specialises in the support and promotion of artists’ moving images.

Jonty Claypole, BBC Head of Arts, who is based at BBC Scotland’s Pacific Quay headquarters, said: “Artists and Archive: Artist Moving Image at the BBC is a unique project celebrating Scotland’s artistic talent and the creative potential of the BBC Archive through the commissioning of new moving image works for online.

“This is a truly exciting partnership project, in which BBC Arts at BBC Scotland, working with Creative Scotland and LUX, will deliver training around archive and rights, and give access to BBC Archive and production facilities for all six artists. At BBC Arts, we’re deeply committed to engaging directly with artists, and working with them to present the archive in new and thoughtful ways is an irresistible opportunity.”

Laura Mackenzie-Stuart, Acting Director of Creative Development at Creative Scotland, said: “This partnership presents an exciting opportunity for six moving image artists to gain access and re-present material from the archives of Scotland’s national broadcaster. The skills, resource and depth of archive that the BBC hold will offer the artists significant source material and access to production facilities, allowing them to develop their practice and learn about archive and rights.

"Creative Scotland is delighted to be supporting Lux who will be delivering these residencies in partnership with BBC Scotland through our Creative Futures Programme. LUX bring significant knowledge and experience in the development and support of Artist Moving Image both nationally and internationally”

LUX is currently inviting applications and it is envisaged that work will get underway in early 2014 and be researched, developed and honed over a six month period before being showcased internationally on the bbc.co.uk/arts pages.

Benjamin Cook, Director of LUX, said: “We are very excited to be working with BBC Scotland and Creative Scotland on this unique project which will offer six artists an unprecedented opportunity to access the BBC Scotland Archives supported by the skills and knowledge of BBC staff. LUX is committed to the professional development of artists working with moving image and we greatly appreciate BBC Scotland and Creative Scotland’s generosity in supporting this innovative programme.”