VIDEO: Internationally acclaimed musician visits Aberdeen in support of £30 million Gallery Re-Development

06 September 2016

World-renowned solo percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie backed Aberdeen Art Gallery’s ambitious plans to create a world-class cultural facility in the city centre.

Dame Evelyn, who gave her first performance at the Cowdray Hall in 1974, returned to visit the site of its redevelopment in support of the Inspiring Art and Music fundraising campaign.

Ms Glennie also attended a special performance by Cults Academy pupils from the Cults Percussion Ensemble of which she was a member during her teenage years and hailed the project as hugely exciting.

Dame Evelyn said: "Something the redevelopment of Cowdray Hall and the Art Gallery is jusyt incredibly inspiring and is for everybody to enjoy.

"It's never too late to be introduced to something - just seeing these young musicians for me as a professional musician, I'm really inspired by that.

"It's is hugley important to bring people together of all interests and find that common ground so this building and its energy is for the people to make it their space - it's hugely exciting." 

The internationally acclaimed musician was accompanied on her visit by Aberdeen City Council leader Councillor Jenny Laing who said: “Our campaign to redevelop Aberdeen Art Gallery and Cowdray Hall will provide a new and exciting platform for budding young artists and musicians to nurture and showcase their talents, just as buildings like Cowdray Hall have done for young people over many decades

“To have the support of Dame Evelyn Glennie demonstrates the importance and value this fantastic new facility will bring to our city – not only by developing new talent which will be recognised across the globe but also by attracting new talent to our city, boosting our cultural offering.

“Dame Evelyn is an artist recognized, respected and loved across the world for her individualism and spirit – we hope this redevelopment will help to inspire many more of our young people to follow in her footsteps.

“I would like to take this opportunity to offer my sincere thanks to Dame Glennie for her support in the Inspiring Art and Music campaign and I hope that this in turn will inspire the citizens of Aberdeen to support our gallery and play a major role in its legacy.

“We have secured funding of £20m and are working to achieve the final £10m. You can support the fundraising campaign in a number of ways, from making an individual donation, to becoming a Founder Patron, or making a partnership contribution from a business.”

Aberdeen Art Gallery, which was built in 1885 and features the largest collection of art in Northern Scotland, is currently under-going a £30 million transformation.

The project will dramatically enhance the visitor experience, restoring the gallery and improving links with the Cowdray Hall. Aberdeen’s outstanding Collection will be displayed to greater effect, enhancing enjoyment and understanding of the city’s rich culture and history for visitors of all ages.

A new gallery space on the top floor will allow for high profile special exhibitions in Aberdeen for the first time which will draw even more visitors to the Granite City and learners of all ages will be inspired in two education spaces.

Beautiful city vistas will be opened up from a stunning new rooftop gallery, café and terrace.

The inspiring Art and Music Campaign is actively seeking to raise the final £10million needed to complete the gallery project.

Anyone wishing to contribute to the redevelopment can text AAGM002 to 70191 to donate £10 now. To make an individual gift go to www.aagm.co.uk/donate