Model Village

Client: Stirling Council

Artist: Chris Helson and Sarah Jackets

Chris Helson and Sarah Jackets worked within the mining community of Fallin in central Scotland to develop an approach to the management of community owned green space.

Over two years, as part of the Urban Parks project, Stirling Council has taken steps to develop an artist led project in Fallin which has enabled the creation of work that explores Fallin’s unique identity and sense of place.

The idea for the project originated in preliminary research work undertaken as part of the Urban Parks project in which artist Graham Ramsay proposed a number of public art projects that could be developed by communities to promote a sense of cultural awareness and identity.

Chris Helson and Sarah Jackets were subsequently commissioned to work within the Fallin community. They have now created a unique series of film based works that explore dreams and aspirations of people living in Fallin.

The way that we interact with and understand our own place and area is becoming increasingly important; artists have a creative role in interpreting and commenting on the way communities interact with their own environment.

This project provides a platform to develop an ongoing dialogue with the Fallin community, especially members of the community who might not normally get involved. It is anticipated that this dialogue will be extended through its integration into the development of Open Space management plans.
A short film by Chris and Sarah, Blood and Land, captured the views and aspirations of the village. This can be seen at  http://www.fallinfilm.co