A controversial project by a Dundee artist costing £15,000 of public money has finished today.
It has been exactly a year since Ellie Harrison announced she was being paid by Creative Scotland to live in Glasgow for 12 months, without leaving the city, as part of a “durational performance”.
Her idea was to cut her carbon footprint, engage with local art communities and challenge the demand on artists to travel in order to be successful.
Her initiative, called The Glasgow Effect, was advertised as a ticketed event on Facebook due to take place today but it appears a talk to update people on her work will be held on January 8 instead.
Ellie did not respond to our invitations for interview.
Her latest update on the official Glasgow Effect page was on November 5 and it stated: “Thanks for your continued interest and engagement in the project.
“I’ve been quietly working away on many different things this year, as those following my Facebook page and newsletters will know.
“As I enter the final two months, I’m starting to plan a talk in Glasgow on January 8.
“It will be free and open to all, so please come along if you’d like to hear more about my work or ask me questions face-to-face.”
The project has divided opinion, with critics questioning its artistic value and accusing Ellie of not doing much throughout a year in which she was excused from her day job at Dundee University.
According to her public posts, she has been working on her campaign to bring Britain’s railways under public ownership, as well as hosting talks and penning an essay on the role of academics.
The latest posts on the Glasgow Effect page from members of the public suggest some are still confused about the project.
Irene Reid wrote: “Just having a look through your website to see what you’ve been doing this past year. It’s a bit vague about what you’ve actually achieved.”
Johny Ash added: “What’s the definition of ‘durational performance’? Where have you been performing? Are you suggesting that a free 15k to live in a great city in the developed world has caused you hardship of some kind?”
However, others have defended the artist and her work.
Oliver Braid said: “I’m sure while Ellie was around she had thoughts and ideas and interactions, so those are actually valuable things too? It’s not all about just banging stuff out for the sake of it.”
