Kate Kilpatrick, Audience Development Coordinator at the Gallery, explains: "We are delighted with this award as it will enable us to include a significant archaeology element in the Lost Landscapes programme. Reading the Landscape is an innovatory initiative, equipping people with the ability to interpret and understand the archaeological features of their locality. We will be working with local archaeologist David Connolly throughout the year and we are planning archaeological surveys, instigating valuable research into some of the region's most fascinating and vulnerable sites and routes. This work will involve local community groups, schools and individuals at every step. In addition, we will be commissioning new work from a number of artists, tying into this original research."

As part of Reading the Landscape artist Nicky Bird will be creating new works in collaboration with local community groups for a project and exhibition entitled 'Archaeology of the Ordinary'. Her work explores the contemporary relevance of found photographs, and hidden histories of specific sites, investigating their enduring resonance. She has explored this through photography, book-works, the Internet and new media. In varying ways she incorporates new photography with oral histories, genealogy, and collaborations with people who have a significant connection to the original site, archive or artefact. Her contribution to Reading the Landscape, and that of a number of other artists, will significantly enable the public dissemination and creative exploration of this exciting new project.

The Peter Potter Gallery are extremely grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund for their generous support of an exciting project for Scotland.

Commenting on the award, Colin McLean, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said: “Haddington has on its doorstep hidden clues as to the way our ancestors lived and how the community developed into what it is today. By delving into the history around them, volunteers and school children will not only expand their knowledge and learn lots of new skills but will also provide a unique record of the town for others to learn, enjoy and be inspired by.”

Notes to editors

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund  (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from, and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic palaces to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported 33,900 projects, allocating £4.4 billion across the UK. 

The Peter Potter Gallery aims to programme challenging and engaging exhibitions of contemporary art and craft that are both thought provoking and inspiring. The gallery also aims to deliver a complementary education programme providing people with the opportunity to use the arts as a tool for learning. Our education programme includes artist talks, artist-led workshops, schools projects and community outreach projects. 

Lost Landscapes is an ambitious project that traverses boundaries between  art, ecology, archaeology and local history. This year-long initiative will see a series of inspiring exhibitions that explore lost communities and ways of life through the lens of contemporary art.

Further information

Kate Kilpatrick on 01620 822 080 or Elaine Bruce on 07940 160 153.