Dave Rushton discusses public art and Dundee’s ‘Percent-for-art’ scheme with Robin Presswood and John Gray in this film edition of the series ‘Art in Scotland’.

In an interview recorded in the Art Bar in Dundee, Robin Presswood says Dundee had a good track record in public art for the past 15 years, and since then it has become a major part of the city’s regeneration strategy. He explains that they are asking developers to spend 1% of the total development cost for each project on public art.

Robin Presswood and John Gray give examples of local public art which could be models for the future, illustrated with shots of individual pieces of sculpture and architectural features. They stress the importance of artists working with a local community, creating art works involving local people.

The interview also covers the artistic challenges posed by new retail parks, which they feel can appear to be soulless, and their attempts to make new shopping centres in Dundee unique and distinctive. This video recording lasts 6 minutes and 41 seconds.