New public artwork to be developed at Artizan Centre

A new public artwork is being developed for Dumbarton’s Artizan Centre, led by artist Alex Allan and shaped by ideas gathered through recent community workshops.

Mr Allan was commissioned to design the piece and has spent the summer engaging residents in creative sessions aimed at reflecting Dumbarton’s identity in the final work.

David McBride, convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development at West Dunbartonshire Council, said: “Seeing our young people transform objects which they discovered on the foreshore into art is inspiring.

“These workshops have not only fuelled creativity but have forged a lasting connection between the community, pride in their surroundings and the Artizan Centre’s new mural.”

The first workshop took place in late June and involved pupils from Dumbarton Academy.

The group gathered at the foreshore near Rock Bowling Club, where they created sculptures from reclaimed and recycled materials under the artist’s guidance.

Pupils also met volunteers from the Dumbarton Castle Society, who shared stories about the town’s history and encouraged a sense of ownership and pride in the artwork.

Other sessions included an origami paper-boat workshop at the Scottish Maritime Museum for younger children and parents, as well as a ‘Railway to Rock’ walk exploring photography and drawing as research tools.

A final session will take place on Friday, October 10 from 12.30pm to 2.30pm at the Concord Centre’s Youth Lounge in Dumbarton.

It is open to all previous participants and members of the wider community.

Attendees will be able to view the artist’s research photographs, build foreshore sculptures, and use images from the photography walk to create collages.

The session will help shape the final design, ensuring it reflects community input.

Mr Allan also plans to produce a book documenting the public engagement process, which could be housed in the new public library at Glencairn House.

Lawrence O’Neill, vice convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development, said: “These upcoming sessions will give the wider community a chance to get involved and have their say.

“It will be really exciting to finally see the artwork displayed at the new-look Artizan Centre, right in the heart of Dumbarton.”