In the global context of climate change, local communities are attempting to reconnect with each other and the environment sustainably, and arts organisations in rural and remote communities of Scotland are supporting self-publishing, printing and bookbinding. This exhibition is linked to Dr Louisa Preston’s research project which seeks to develop understanding of how small-press and self-publishing practices create a sense of place and identity for individuals and communities in rural and remote Scotland.
Supported by the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland, Louisa's research explores how publishing practices could be enhancing sustainability and well-being as well as examining the dynamics of the roles, organisations and networks of individuals and communities connected to producing artist publications. In working with Birnam Arts Louisa hopes to produce insights into the categories and types of texts being produced in contemporary art publishing through the development of this exhibition and associated events and workshops. The project aims to discover and grow networks in the community of creative practitioners and audiences interested in artist-publishing and self-publishing, and to inform the development of experimental publishing resources for Birnam Arts and similar arts organisations.
Louisa Preston is an Artist-Publisher-Researcher and Lecturer in Publishing Studies at the University of Stirling.