Young Scots unveil inspiring ‘Junk Art’ sculpture

Year of Young People 2018 Ambassadors gathered at the People’s Palace for the unveiling of a junk art’ sustainable tree sculpture made entirely of recycled waste.

Young people from across Scotland met at the iconic Glasgow building with Glasgow City Convener for Education, Skills and Early Years, Councillor Chris Cunningham, to mark the unveiling of the inspiring artwork. The creative project is part of the partnership between Young Scot and Impact Arts, who commissioned a commemorative sculpture to mark the legacy that the Glasgow European Championships 2018 has left behind.

Construction of the sculpture began at the Go Live! At the Green festival, during the Championships. The sculpture represents young people’s passion for sustainability and the environment. It is constructed purely of recycled waste using materials donated by Play-Resource Association and Glasgow Wood Recycling and will be on display at the People’s Palace from 14th September until 4th October.

Nicola Wood, Programme Manager at Impact Arts: “We are very proud to have worked with Young Scot on the Junk Art project at Go LIVE at the Green! to bring this beautiful piece of collaborative artwork to life. The workshops were massively popular and our artists were run off their feet all week making sure everyone got a chance to take part!

“It’s absolutely fantastic to unveil these stunning trees to unveil, completely constructed from materials that otherwise would have gone to waste. It conveys a powerful message about the importance of environmental issues to young people, and the important role arts and creativity can have in communicating this.”

Councilor Chris Cunningham, Glasgow City Convener for Education, Skills and Early Years, said: “The European Championships were a great success and put Glasgow on the map in terms of sporting facilities and as a venue for major events. The cultural and community events that took place alongside the games themselves were no less of a success. Communities and local groups, including arts groups, took the opportunity to promote their work.

“Junk art is definitely one of the more innovative and edgy examples of this but it is no less valued for all that. I’m delighted to be here today and to unveil this sculpture by Johnny Walker.  We all need to learn lessons in terms of recycling and reuse.  There is a clear message in Johnny’s work and he is to be congratulated for that.“

Louise Macdonald, Chief Executive of Young Scot, said: “The passion that so many young Scots have for sustainability and the environment is something that Scotland can be really proud of. This was so evident during the Glasgow Championships and this passion has resulted in the thought provoking, sustainable sculpture that Jonny has created.”

The sculpture will be on display at the People’s Palace, before visiting key locations in Scotland to promote young people’s ideas and talents across the country, including the Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards in November.