Centenary project created lasting legacy of community impact 

A new impact report has highlighted the far-reaching success of KG100, the year-long programme celebrating the 100th anniversary of Kirkcaldy Galleries. 

The project brought together thousands of people through exhibitions, events, learning activities, community projects and digital engagement, demonstrating the enduring importance of the venue as a cultural hub not just for the town but for the whole of Fife. 

Over the course of the project, more than 30 events were delivered, ranging from curator-led tours, talks and workshops to family activities, community projects and guided tours.  

The main exhibition, A Century of Kirkcaldy Galleries, ran for 36 weeks and attracted more than 23,000 visitors. Hundreds of people also took part in activities designed to celebrate the history, collections and people of Kirkcaldy Galleries. 

The centenary programme made a significant contribution to learning and participation. Nine school visits engaged around 500 pupils, while young people helped shape creative projects including The Little Beehive Nursery ‘wee curators’ creating a new animal art display in ARTspace, Youth Zone at The Hive creating a film about lived experience of transport in Fife for people with disabilities and the creation of a banner for Fife Pride. 

More than 500 people took part in community engagement activities linked to the programme. 

The celebrations attracted strong online interest. The dedicated KG100 webpage generated more than 16,000 users and almost 20,000 page views, supported by a programme of social media activity that achieved hundreds of thousands of impressions. 

Volunteers played a vital role in the project’s success, contributing nearly 300 hours to support exhibitions, events, school activities and visitor engagement. Their contribution helped ensure the programme reached a wide range of audiences and created meaningful opportunities for participation across the community. 

Reflecting on a century of culture, creativity and community, the OnFife report concluded that the KG100 project not only celebrated the rich history of Kirkcaldy Galleries but strengthened connections with local people, inspired new audiences and created a legacy that will continue to benefit communities across Fife. 

Helen Stevenson, Venue Manager at Kirkcaldy Galleries, said: “We are absolutely delighted by the response to KG100. Seeing so many members of our local community and visitors engage and participate in the exhibition has been incredibly rewarding for the entire team at Kirkcaldy Galleries. 

“The success is a testament to the hard work, creativity and collaboration of everyone involved, a real team effort from our staff and volunteers. We are so proud of the lasting contribution it has made to the cultural life of our community.” 

Janice Crane, OnFife Curator, who helped co-ordinate KG100, said: “KG100 gave us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate not only the history of Kirkcaldy Galleries but the people and communities who continue to shape its future. 

“Over the course of the project, we welcomed thousands of people to take part in events, exhibitions, learning activities and creative projects, helping new audiences connect with the Galleries in meaningful ways. 

 “What has been particularly inspiring is seeing the enthusiasm of participants, volunteers, schools and community groups, whose contributions have made this a truly collaborative celebration. 

“As we look ahead to the next century, KG100 has left a lasting legacy of engagement, creativity and pride in this remarkable cultural space.” 

Images

A selection of images from throughout KG100:

• Artist Griselda Hill with the special commemorative Wemyss Ware brooches she created to mark the Kirkcaldy Galleries 100th anniversary. (Pic: OnFife)
• Kirkcaldy Galleries. (Pic: OnFife)
• King Charles with curator Jane Freel visiting the A Century of Kirkcaldy Galleries exhibition. (Pic: Andrew Beveridge)
• Visitors to Bud, Poppy Scotland’s interactive touring exhibition. It was was part of the Big Birthday Bash which started the KG100 celebrations but also highlighted that the Gallerieswere built as part of town’s War Memorial. (Pic: Andrew Beveridge)
• The Royal British Legion Scotland marked the centenary with events including reading out the names of all 1,500 men and women on the memorial, which was covered in thousands of poppies knitted and crocheted by members of the public and from many of the town’s organisations.
• Curator Jane Freel with a schoolbook belonging to 18th century economist and social philosopher Adam Smith, who was born and raised in Kirkcaldy, and which was part of A Century of Kirkcaldy Galleries, opens on Saturday (28 June) celebrating 100 years of the museum and art gallery. (Pic: Phil Wilkinson / OnFife).
• The banner created by teenagers from the youth group at The Hive, a meeting place and safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. From left, Demetri Baldwin Lindsey Williamson, Director at The Hive, Jane Freel, Curator, and Asher Scott.

Ends 

For further information contact Sheona Small, Press & Communications Manager, 07809 727 989 or email sheona.small@onfife.com   

Notes to editors:  

OnFife is a registered charity and manages and operates theatres, libraries, museums and galleries and cultural partnerships on behalf of Fife Council for people living, working and visiting Fife.  Further information can be found at www.onfife.com