PARTICIPATORY PROJECT: FLOCK

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A project conceived and developed by Frances Ross.

Commissioned by Upland with funding from Creative Scotland and The Holywood Trust

Film and photography by Colin Tennant

The FLOCK project visited 57 schools and education settings across the Dumfries & Galloway region between 2023-2026, with artists Frances Ross, Clare Dawdry and Ruth Elizabeth Jones working with around 1,200 primary and high school pupils to create a flock of colourful ceramic birds. The project gave young people the chance to get clay under their fingernails and experience the transformational power of ceramics, fostered a sense of place and belonging, and culminated in a large-scale participatory artwork made by and for the young people of the region. FLOCK's debut installation was at Barwhillanty Estate in May 2026, as part of the region-wide Spring Fling Open Studio event.