Empty shops in Stirling transformed into animated works of art

Stirling’s empty shop windows have been transformed into vibrant works of art thanks to an ambitious project launched by the city’s BID.

Article Source: Go Forth Stirling
Last Updated: 20 April 2021 13:47

The Street Stories initiative features a range of animated artworks on eight shop windows, including the former BHS and Argos stores, in a move aimed at revitalising the city as it prepares to welcome shoppers back next week.

The ground-breaking project, organised by the team at Go Forth Stirling Business Improvement District (BID), showcases the work of a range of Scottish artists including Jacqueline Marr, Michael Corr and David Galletly.

Each artwork is brought to life via interactive Augmented Reality (AR) and forms part of a Trail telling the stories of Stirling’s people, heritage and history via mediums such as mosaic, dance, mural, digital and fluid art.

Go Forth Stirling Project Director Danielle McRorie-Smith said: “I’m thrilled to see Street Stories bringing the streets of Stirling to life as our shops and hospitality premises get ready to welcome customers back.

“The project is all about making the city centre more visually appealing by featuring bright and vibrant windows rather than empty shopfronts and giving some points of interest through the hidden stories behind each artwork.

“It’s been great to watch people stop to look at the artworks and read about the ideas and stories they represent.

“As Covid restrictions are lifted, hopefully more Stirling residents and visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy Street Stories and discover what talented artists we have in the area.”

Eight artists were selected for the project following an open invitation to submit art celebrating Stirling which could be brought to life via interactive Augmented Reality (AR) - multi-sensory animation triggered by a free downloadable smartphone app.

One of those chosen was mosaic artist Rachel Davies whose work, exploring Scottish slate and stone, is featured on the windows of the former Calvary Fellowship in Stirling Arcade and tells the story of the building of Stirling Castle.

She said: “I’m thrilled to be a part of this project and to see my artwork larger than life on the city streets. I really enjoyed going round the trail and viewing the animations and hope others will find it fun too.”

Fluid artist Roisin McKenzie is delighted to see her paintings of the River Forth animated on the windows of BHS in Murray Place.

She said: “'I'm incredibly proud and honoured to have my work featured in this exciting and innovative project which is a great way to highlight the area’s artists.

“I was blown away by how huge and amazing my pieces looked on the windows. To see my artwork on that scale is incredible and the animation team have done such a great job.

“I’ve had lots of positive feedback so far regarding Street Stories and how great all the windows look and a friend overheard a group saying what a difference it’s made already to Stirling which is fantastic.”

Alloa-based artist Michael Corr’s colourful mural of national poet Robert Burns has pride of place in the former premises of The Works on Port Street.

He said: “I’m so grateful to showcase my art to a local audience thanks to Street Stories Stirling. It’s really cool seeing my work come to life and sharing some of Stirling’s Burns related history via the AR element.

“The art trail has created a really positive and inspiring change to Stirling’s city centre.”

Forth Valley College art student Lou Carberry uses her personal experiences of issues such as mental health to create striking works of art in a range of mediums.
Her ‘Reaching Out’ series of drawings, which feature a hand reaching out for help, are displayed in the windows of the Trophy Centre in Upper Craigs.

She said: “The project will make our city feel less broken after the year we've all had and it's been such a pleasure to be a part of it.

“The team who put the artworks together are beyond amazing and seeing my work printed and animated in such a way is something I never imagined happening in my whole career – never mind right at the start of it.

“I got emotional after seeing my work up on the old Trophy Centre and it shows just how far I've come not only in my artistic career but in my personal life too. Everything I create is about evoking a sense of emotion in the viewer and it created such a response for me.”

Leading figurative artist Jacqueline Marr’s `Wings’ painting features on the windows of Designer Distinction in Murray Place.

She said: “This is such an uplifting and exciting project for Stirling’s creative community and residents.

“The art trail is a great opportunity for residents to discover creative talents on their doorstep and learn about local history whilst inspiring and adding a sense of optimism to the High Street.

“As a painter I aim to bring my subject to life on canvas and that is something the excellent team at Arch Creative have quite literally managed to achieve with the augmented reality experience.

“To see my Wings come alive and in flight is awe-inspiring. The animation echoes the realism I passionately produce with paint and has made me fall in love with my paintings on another level - a sentiment I hope others will share when discovering the project.”

The other Street Stories artists are Stirling illustrator David Galletly; professional dance choreographer Malcolm Sutherland and contemporary artist Jacqueline Scorgie who practises under the name Jacque.

The project forms an art trail through Stirling taking in Port Street, Upper Craigs, the Thistles, Stirling Arcade and Murray Place with the aim of increasing footfall, enhancing the city’s appearance and highlighting which business premises are available for commercial opportunities.

Go Forth Stirling worked on the project with design agency Arch Creative and Scene Stirling - a collaborative partnership promoting arts and culture locally.

Joe Nixon, Creative Director at Arch Creative, said: “We have been able to give a platform to some of Stirling’s incredible artists and showcase their work in a completely different form.

“We’ve transformed these units into living pieces of art and created a trail for visitors to follow around the city centre. The animations triggered by the free downloadable app will give visitors an insight into Stirling’s rich heritage and showcase the artists’ work in a way that hasn’t been seen before.

“With such a wide range of topics and art styles throughout the Street Stories Stirling trail, we are confident there’s something for all ages to experience and enjoy.”

Kevin Harrison, Manager of Scene Stirling, said: “The trail is a fantastic way to showcase Stirling’s talent in a fun, interactive way; as well as entertaining locals and visitors to the city, we hope this innovative project will inspire the young creatives of the future.”

More details about Street Stories can be found here: www.goforthstirling.co.uk/street-stories

Stirling’s BID was set up in September 2017 following a vote and currently represents more than 600 local businesses with a key objective of delivering projects and services which improve the area’s trading environment to benefit businesses, shoppers and visitors.

For more information visit www.goforthstirling.co.uk

Image: Rachel Davies with her art work

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Stirling News

Stirling shoppers invited to celebrate their furry friends in new Thistles photography competition

Thistles, shopping centre in Stirling, has teamed up with a local Community Interest Company, Paws for Progress, to launch a heart-warming photography competition.

Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026

The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.

Medea to tour Scotland in 2026

Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).

Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland

Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!

Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.

Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026

Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.

Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.

Hidden treasures of Murrayfield

Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.

SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu

Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.

National Wallace Monument wins Frankenstein approval from renowned filmmaker Guillermo del Toro

Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro made a personal visit to The National Wallace Monument before deciding to cast the iconic Stirling landmark in his new movie ‘Frankenstein’.

Time to Nominate Outstanding Companies for the 2026 Stirling Business Awards

The public has just two weeks left to nominate outstanding independent retailers for Go Forth Stirling BID’s annual Business Awards.

Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes

A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.

Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment

SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.

Sterling Home brings festive cheer with heartfelt Christmas donation

Leading furniture retailer Sterling Home is lighting up the festive season with a generous donation of Christmas decorations and furniture to children’s hospices and hospitals across Scotland.

Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.

Have your say on new active travel project for south of Stirling city centre

People are being encouraged to have their say in the second stage of a consultation on four proposed active travel routes for the south of Stirling city centre.

Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk

The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk. 

Art Exhibition and Fashion Sale to Support Strathcarron Hospice

Strathblane artists are set to captivate the community with a charity art exhibition this weekend, aiming to raise funds for Strathcarron Hospice, Denny.

The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced

The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.

KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.

No tricks, just treats at Thistles Stirling this Halloween

Thistles, Stirling is set to host a spooky spectacular at the shopping centre this October half term.

Popular Listings

Macrobert Arts Centre Stirling Castle The Albert Halls Stirling The National Wallace Monument Tolbooth Stirling

Empty shops in Stirling transformed into animated works of art

Stirling’s empty shop windows have been transformed into vibrant works of art thanks to an ambitious project launched by the city’s BID.

Sponsored Links

Latest Stirling News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings