DUMFRIES.- Speed dating events are taking place in south-west Scotland where charities, schools, colleges and non-profit organisations can meet artists and arrange to have sculptures on loan.

The sessions, at The Stove in Dumfries on 2 October and Narture in Ayr on 9 October, are organised by the Sculpture Placement Group (SPG) to mark the launch of its Loan Toolkit.

At the same time the Travelling Gallery, in partnership with SPG, is touring a group exhibition called In Another Realmwhich gives a glimpse of a world where civilisation has collapsed due to climate change.

The artworks on show will be available to borrow as part of SPG Loan. The scheme broadens access to by putting it into a range of new communal spaces.

SPG has already placed 70 sculptures with schools, colleges, universities, charities and businesses and now hopes to find homes for many more.

The SPG Loan Toolkit Speed Dating Events will be informal and friendly, letting artists to introduce themselves and their work, build connections, and explore possibilities for future commissions, collaborations, or artwork loans.

Michelle Emery-Barker, SPG Co-director, said: “We want to give more organisations the chance to bring art into the day-to-day lives of their staff and communities.

“If that’s something that would interest your organisation, do come along.

“Many of the available pieces were created for high-profile exhibitions or were on show in well-known galleries.

“Unfortunately, once an exhibition ends, sculptures often end up in storage. SPG Loan gives them a new life and enriches the lives of others.”

The In Another Realm exhibition includes the work of artists Laura Aldridge, Nick Evans, Louise Gibson, Aimee Lax, Aniara Omann and Daisy Richardson.

Michelle said: “It takes inspiration from science fiction’s engagement with the environment and its value for encouraging people to think about climate change.

“The works suggest an imaginary world and landscape, where traces of human existence can be found, but where life is continuing without us.”

All the works have previously been shown elsewhere and the exhibition itself is a way of giving further life to art.