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University commissions community artwork to celebrate 150 years

An East Lothian artist has been commissioned to design and create a unique public art piece which will take centre stage in the grounds of ������Ƶ (������Ƶ).��

Made possible by donations from members of the ������Ƶ Community, the engaging artwork will be unveiled in 2025 to coincide with ������Ƶ’s 150th anniversary celebrations.��

Artist Martha Ellis, a resident of Musselburgh, was selected out of a pool of applicants to create the piece which can be enjoyed by students, staff, visitors and the local community.��

The aim is to capture the people and activities which make up ������Ƶ, both from the past and present, creating a piece that will inspire all who visit, study and work at the campus.����

Martha Ellis is a visual artist with a passion for showcasing a ‘sense of place’ in her signature ‘cut-out’ drawing style using sheet metal. This is one of her first public commissions. She said: “This project will not only enable me to flourish as an individual, but it will also add to the creative offering within my own local area.��

“The concept is to capture the community so that its members recognise themselves in the artwork. To do so, I will engage in all things ������Ƶ – taking part in public engagement activities, delving into the university archives, physically being in and around the campus, and chatting with students and staff to build up a clearer picture of what makes ������Ƶ what it is!"

"Given that ������Ƶ has expertise in the creative and cultural sectors, creative practice and community arts, I know there will be lots of opportunities to engage with the University community on this project. From my research into ������Ƶ so far, I have been struck by the many amazing things that the University has achieved - and continues to achieve."

Martha is known for her unique wall mounted and free-standing artworks which she creates in her studio in Edinburgh. With a background teaching art and design in schools, over the years she has enjoyed developing her use of laser cutting technology to create bold and stylised cut-out artworks.��

Martha introduces the effect of light and shadow, by mounting the drawings slightly off the wall or with her free-standing pieces which have shadows that move with the changing position of the sun. This unpredictable element to the work is a playful contrast to the clean bold lines of the cut edge - a deliberately interactive and living aspect to her art.����

Sir Paul Grice, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of ������Ƶ, said: “I am incredibly thankful to our donors who have made this project possible by supporting our vision for a unique piece of public art, created by a local artist. This is a great example of the power of philanthropy at ������Ƶ and showcases the impact our donors continue to make on the ������Ƶ Community.��������

“������Ƶ is all about people – improving people’s lives, producing graduates who can make a difference in the world, conducting research that has a positive impact on others, supporting students to achieve their goals, and creating a strong sense of community where everyone is welcome and where we support each other.����

“We are sure this piece of art will not only be visually engaging but will also connect with the variety of people who make up our wider ������Ƶ community.����

“This project is to mark and celebrate a very impactful and important time in ������Ƶ’s history as we come together in 2025 to celebrate 150 years of our pioneering institution and we look forward to Martha’s artwork taking centre stage.”����