Today (Tuesday 7 December 2004) the Scottish Arts Council and Horsecross unveil plans for Threshold, an ambitious new media public art project for Perth.  The half million pound project is being developed by Perth Concert Hall at Horsecross, Perth.  The concert hall opens in September 2005.

“We are delighted that as a new organisation, Horsecross has already managed to secure such a significant level of funding for this exciting new project,” said Horsecross Chief Executive, Jane Spiers.  “Threshold will make Perth Concert Hall a ‘smart building’ on a par with only a handful of other venues in Europe.  We believe Threshold adds a really engaging edge to this fantastic space and a whole new dimension to our work in theatre and music. It creates an innovative and interactive space that will connect with all our users in business and the arts.”

The investment in technology, software and artists will add a layer of interactivity to the public areas and enable the building to change its look and feel at the touch of a button or a sensor.  By daytime the glass-fronted foyer will look fresh, light, inspiring for business and social meetings, children’s workshops, performances.  By night the space can be flooded with coloured light and will transform to a glowing, velvety, sumptuous jewel box. A water-themed concert can feature exquisite liquid images that swim across a wave of screens.  A rock concert can be projected from the auditorium into the foyer for passers-by to enjoy free.                                         

Iliyana Nedkova, New Media Creative Director of Horsecross will be charged with commissioning artists and working with the local community to develop arts projects for Threshold. Described as ‘a curator of taste and critical discern’, Iliyana has an extensive experience in contemporary art and design and is also serving as the Honorary Cultural Attaché of the Bulgarian Consulate in Scotland. 

The project has been developed and will be managed by Alexander Hamilton, an acknowledged artist and public art innovator working alongside a dedicated Threshold and Horsecross creative teams.

The project has been supported by the Scottish Arts Council through a capital funding grant of just under £250,000.  The project has also received funding from Scottish Enterprise Tayside, Perth and Kinross Council and Perth and Kinross Leisure.

Scottish Enterprise Tayside chief executive Shona Cormack welcomed the announcement: “We are delighted to support this innovative project which will further position Perth Concert Hall’s reputation as a leading event venue.  This development will help Perth to reach its aspiration of becoming one of Europe’s most dynamic small cities.

“I am delighted that one of our local venues is leading the way by taking full advantage of the latest technology to offer a differentiated experience to its customers.  I am confident the Concert Hall will make a significant contribution to economic development in Tayside through attracting additional visitors to the area.”