The National Museums of Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Library of Scotland have forged a partnership to develop a collaborative exhibition, Fonn ’s Duthchas (Land and Heritage) as part of the Highland 2007 programme.  Celebrating aspects of Highland cultural life past and present, the exhibition will receive support from the Scottish Executive as part of their commitment to Highland 2007, a major project to showcase the Highlands during 2007 as a great place to live and to visit.  The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Patricia Ferguson, will announce Scottish Executive funding of £402,000 for this ground breaking project.

Providing a fresh modern showcase for Highland culture that will reflect the roots, values and cultural heritage of a creative and freethinking people, Fonn ’s Duthchas will promote a celebration of the heritage and creativity of a society which continues to contribute so significantly to the cultural identity of Scotland.

Dr Gordon Rintoul, Director of the National Museums of Scotland commented,

“National Museums of Scotland (NMS) is delighted to be working in partnership with National Galleries of Scotland and the National Library of Scotland on this creative and informative project.  NMS will lend a fascinating selection of iconic objects from the outstanding national collections and will draw on our extensive curatorial, education and conservation expertise to aid the development of this unique exhibition.”

The exhibition partners will work with key organisations across the Highlands and Islands to develop the content of Fonn ’s Duthchas.  Objects will be selected to illustrate the relationships between land and people, to demonstrate the skill and artistry of successive generations and also to explore how the themes of Highland history impact on us today.  These items will be drawn from collections across the length and breadth of the Highlands, from the national collections and from beyond Scotland.

James Holloway, Director, Scottish National Portrait Gallery said

“The National Galleries are proud to be working on Fonn ‘s Duthchas as part of the Highland 2007 programme.  The Galleries already have a very active involvement in the Highlands and see the exhibition as a natural extension of their work in the region.”

Also considered is Scotland’s role on the world wide stage and how the Highland identity and culture has influenced other nations through emigration and the extent to which that identity is retained and in many cases aspired.

Gordon Hunt, Director of Customer Services, National Library of Scotland commented

“The National Library of Scotland (NLS) is delighted to be collaborating with the other National Collections on this innovative project. NLS collections are rich in the literature and history of the Highlands and we welcome the opportunity to take our treasures into the heart of our country where they can inform, excite and inspire.”

A strong multimedia element is envisaged incorporating music, poetry and song and embracing personal accounts of work and home life.  The exhibition will provide a platform for the work of contemporary artists providing a strong link between past, present and future.

The partnership will devise a Community Outreach Programme to support the exhibition ensuring widest possible access to the project.

Alison Magee, Chair of Highland 2007 and Convenor of The Highland Council, said:

“We are very pleased to support the National Museums of Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Library of Scotland in bringing together this unique exhibition as part of the Highland 2007 programme. By touring to venues within the Highlands and elsewhere, Fonn ‘s Duthchas will give people across Scotland join the celebration of Highland culture past, present and future.”

Fonn ’s Duthchas will open in Inverness in January 2007 and will embark upon a year long tour of venues across Scotland.  The exhibition will promote international tourism, inspiring visitors to explore the Highlands of Scotland.

Notes to Editors

1. A Steering Group has been set up to advise on the joint national exhibition.  It will also advise on educational and events programmes to support the exhibition and will manage the exhibition budget.
2. Highland 2007, the year Scotland celebrates Highland culture, aims to promote the Highlands as a great place to live and to visit through showcasing the unique and special nature of Highland culture past, present and future.  The project is a partnership between three principal funding agencies:  The Highland Council, The Scottish Executive, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.  The year long celebration of Highland culture in 2007 will incorporate an exciting range of international, regional and community events, as well as capital projects and cultural activities specifically for young people.  See www.highland2007.com for full details or contact Highland 2007 on 01463 702007.

4 August 2005.

 

Ends

 

Further information on the exhibition from:

Susan Gray NMS Press Office tel 0131 247 4088. Mobile 07795 391893.
E-mail s.gray@nms.ac.uk

Patricia Convery, NGS Press Office tel 0131 624 6325.
E-mail pconvery@nationalgalleries.org

Karen Gallacher, NLS Press Office tel 0131 623 3763. Mobile 07990 683 540.
E-mail k.gallacher@nls.uk 

Further information on Highland 2007 from Alison Bell, Marketing and Communications Manager, Highland 2007 tel. 01463 702007.
E-mail alison.bell@highland.gov.uk