Photo by Mihaela Bodlovic
Here at Eden Court, when our attention turned to Christmas, we wondered how we could possibly do justice to the year 2020.
It has undoubtedly been a hard year, defined by a global pandemic. Many have lost loved ones and livelihoods. We have all felt worried and isolated. In stark contrast to these hardships, there have also been glimpses of positivity. Lockdown forced many of us to slow down, reconnect with nature, support more local businesses, or spend more time with family.
Our Christmas tree attempts to recognise all of these things, by sparking a moment of both celebration and remembrance.
We commissioned Kenneth MacLeod to design the tree, with funding received from Creative Scotland through the Performing Arts Venues Relief Fund. He was a natural choice, as an exciting Scottish talent with a longstanding connection to Eden Court. Kenneth’s concept is inspired by the architecture of Eden Court’s three generation building. The snowflakes you will see adorning the tree draw on elements such as the iconic geometric windows and the Gothic stonework of the Bishop’s Palace.
I’m thrilled to be designing Eden Court’s Christmas Tree. This is where everything started for me - I took part in classes as a kid, did Higher Drama and then worked as an usher. Eden Court was a launchpad for my career and it inspired me to become a theatre designer. I’m excited to be back and to contribute to this lovely Christmas celebration. Hopefully the tree will shine a light in the darkness of this year.
Our tree is lit with over 3000 lights, in recognition of over 3000 people who have died in Scotland as a result of Coronavirus. We pay special tribute to those lives lost in the Highlands with each light that illuminates the star on top of the tree. These lights represent our loved ones, our neighbours: our community.
This tree is our gift to the people of Inverness. It celebrates the incredible contributions of key workers and community organisations, from NHS staff to food banks. It commemorates the loved ones we have sadly lost. It reminds us of the potential of the arts to shine a light when things are at their bleakest.
As you pass by, we invite you to take in the wonder of the tree, reflect on this past year, and look forward to 2021.
You can share all your photos and thoughts with us using #EdenCourtChristmas
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