Resident-led community art project launches in Dundee

Three tin panels (triptych) were installed at Weaver’s Yard in the 1980s, featuring art which told the story of the city’s rich industrial and social history. Over time, the panels have become weathered and are now being replaced with a new piece that will continue this tradition of storytelling.

The Upper Dens Landscaping Board (UDLB), who maintain the area, commissioned a new public artwork – offering local tenants and residents the opportunity to shape the next chapter of the area’s story.

The project – entitled “Past, Present, Future” – is being led by Stobswell Forum, who have a strong track record in delivering community arts projects across the city.

After a successful open call for artist proposals followed by a thorough shortlisting process, Upper Dens tenants voted for Abi Baikie, a local artist with experience in collaborative, community-focused artwork.

Abi has now begun a programme of engagement with local residents, including tenants from Hillcrest Homes and Caledonia Housing Association. The first in-person workshops gave tenants the chance to share their memories of the area and their hopes for its future. Participants also explored a range of potential materials for the new panels – handling samples and providing feedback on what they felt would make the artwork stand out. Abi is incorporating this feedback, along with residents’ stories, into her developing designs.

Abi, a graduate from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee, with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art, has a background in screenprint, mural work and painting. Her work is inspired by her surroundings and preserving the memories of historic buildings and places. As well as exhibiting in Scotland, Abi has featured in shows in China and the USA.

Weavers Yard in Dundee, formerly known as Upper Dens Mill, was a significant part of the Baxter Brothers’ textile empire – once the world’s largest linen works and a focal point of Dundee’s industrial history. The mill, built in the 1830s and extended in the 1850s, was later redeveloped into housing by Hillcrest Housing Association. 

Abi Baikie said: “I live on the same street as Weaver’s Yard, and the Weaver’s Yard triptych has been something I’ve always wanted to breathe new life into through art. With this project, I am aiming to represent the history and beauty of the building and its surrounding area, whilst giving a voice to the community that currently live there.

“I am working with the current Weaver’s Yard residents to ensure that their voices are reflected in the final artwork. I’d like to thank everyone involved in this project for trusting me to take it forward.”

Helen King, trustee at Stobswell Forum, added: “The Stobswell Forum aim to utilise creative projects as a tool for neighbourhood regeneration and are thankful for the commitment made by UDLB for this new artwork in Stobswell. Furthermore, we are committed to supporting local creatives and are delighted that the artist selected is a local resident.”

Matthew Lock, head of frontline services at Caledonia Housing Association and an Upper Dens Landscaping Board Member, commented: “This is an exciting and unique opportunity to revitalise the area and we’re proud to have the Upper Dens community closely involved in the project. We anticipate that the programme, led by Abi Baikie, will inspire further creativity and that the resulting artwork will create a legacy of its own, reflecting Dundee’s industrial history.”

Bruce Leslie, asset management manager at Hillcrest Homes and chair of the Upper Dens Landscaping Board, added: “Hillcrest is thrilled to be joining forces with Caledonia Housing on this exciting project, which puts our tenants and local residents at the heart of the creative process.

“The three murals at the site entrance have long been in disrepair and their transformation will restore a much-loved feature that celebrates the area’s unique history and culture. We’re especially proud that the new mural designs, created by the talented Abi Baikie, have been shaped by the ideas and feedback of our tenants and the wider community.

“We can’t wait to see this collaborative vision come to life and to unveil a striking new gateway for everyone to enjoy.”