A short residency, funded by the Scapa Flow Landscape Partnership Scheme (SFLPS), has been awarded to the Stromness based filmmaker Mark Jenkins.

The aim of the project is to create a new work of art that will celebrate aspects of the cultural heritage of Scapa Flow in collaboration with community partners across the area. The residency will run for twelve weeks this winter and culminate in a new film which will be screened in June 2012.

The project, developed jointly by the Pier Arts Centre and SFLPS, aims to create a deeper and more unified understanding of the Scapa Flow area’s landscape, including the natural, built and historic landscapes, and to promote and support its sustainable management, use and enjoyment by as many people possible – locally, nationally and across the world.

Julian Branscombe, SFLPS Manager said of the appointment, “I am really excited. Combining Mark Jenkins filmmaking with the local community is a brilliant chance to capture a fascinating record of Scapa Flow’s heritage. I think a film like this could be a bit different – with Mark’s sensitive approach and the contribution of people and places, I am sure this project will do the subject justice.”

The residency is funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, Orkney Islands Council and the Scottish Government and the European Community Orkney LEADER 2007-2013 Programme.

Mark Jenkins commented “I’m totally thrilled to get this residency. It’s a great chance to develop my filmmaking practice and I’m looking forward to the challenge of interpreting the rich culture and heritage that is apparent in and around Scapa Flow.”

Mark Jenkins has worked on many films over more than twenty years. His credits include editing the BAFTA Scotland Award winning Ma Bar in 2009 and Peter in Radioland voted Best International Short Film at Glasgow Film Festival in 2010.

Curator at the Pier Arts Centre Andrew Parkinson, added “We are very pleased to have appointed Mark as artist in residence for Scapa Flow. Mark is a very fine filmmaker and has worked across many different genres including animation, documentary and drama. I’m sure his skill and experience will lead to an exciting re-examination of the history and culture of the area and we look forward to seeing how his ideas develop.”

“Supporting artists to create new work in Orkney is an important aspect of the work of the Pier. I’m pleased that we now have Mark starting work at the same time as Rik Hammond continues his Scotland’s Islands residency in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney as well as the latest Royal Scottish Academy resident artist, Kirsty Palmer from Glasgow, who is currently based in Stromness.”

Meanwhile, the exhibition the lamp in the seaward window – the art of Sylvia Wishart continues at the Pier Arts Centre until 5 November 2011.

The Pier Arts Centre is open Monday – Saturday 10.30am – 5.00pm. Admission is free.

The Pier Arts Centre
Victoria Street
Stromness
Orkney
Tel: 01856 850209
Web: http://www.pierartscentre.com/

Source: The Pier Arts Centre