Culture Perth and Kinross have announced the artists commissioned to deliver two public art projects at Perth Art Gallery after a competitive tender process.

Glasgow-based illustrator and street artist Ursula Kam-Ling Cheng has been selected to design new wraps on the pillars at the front of the Gallery on George Street. At the same time, Scottish artists Lindsay Grime and Ellietype (Ellie Mills) will transform the building’s toilets with new murals inspired by the art collections at the Gallery.

The commissions were chosen to enhance the experience for visitors to the building, which will reopen this April as Perth Art Gallery.

Both commissions will not only bring a new twist to the world-class collections of Scottish art at the Gallery but also include the perspectives of the local community and celebrate what is unique about Perth and Kinross.

The new art commissions are a quirky and creative way to mark the next chapter of the building as it transforms from Perth Museum and Art Gallery into Perth Art Gallery. It also marks an exciting next step on the wider transformation of the cultural offer in Perth city centre, with the new Perth Museum opening in the former City Hall building in 2024.

Ursula Cheng said, “Creating public artwork at Perth Art Gallery, I knew I wanted to involve and consult as many members of the public as possible in producing this new work. The artwork will incorporate illustrations I’ve created in collaboration with participants, and creative activities have informed and been inspired from researching selected works from the collection. We have been able to explore and reimagine these paintings, bringing our interpretation and ownership of the work into a visual adventure. I am delighted and excited about this new phase for Perth Art Gallery, and I have enjoyed meeting many families and young people using this space.“

Ellie and Lindsay added, “We’re delighted to have been chosen for the mural commission; it’s very exciting to be part of the renovation and the new era of the Perth Art Gallery, and we can’t wait to add some colours, sparkle and humour to an often-overlooked space!“

The addition of the two new commissions will enhance the opening of Phase One of the new Perth Art Gallery, which will feature the very best of Scottish and international art in the collections cared for by Culture Perth and Kinross. This is part of a wider phased redevelopment of the Gallery, which will feature more spaces and displays opening later in the year.

Rhona Corbett, Head of Heritage and Culture, said, “We look forward to welcoming back our visitors to Perth Art Gallery, and this refresh showcases the collection as a celebration of creativity and imagination of some of the best artists in Scotland. We hope that those returning will be inspired by the work on display and experience the beauty and power of art.”

Phase One of the new Art Gallery opens to the public on Thursday 6th, April, just in time for the Easter long weekend. Visitors will be able to enjoy works dating from the early twentieth century to the present day, covering a range of artistic movements and schools. Visitors will be able to enjoy works by artists including Alison Watt, John Byrne, William Crosbie, Lys Hansen, Elizabeth Blackadder, Wilhelmina Barnes-Graham, and Calum Colvin.

The popular Messy Museum family area will also remain open, as well as the shop and coffee bar.