Mackintosh 100
The programme for Mackintosh 100, A Homecoming Scotland activity to promote the legacy of Scottish born architect, artist and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh, has been launched.
Over 100 events take place across twelve venues, including exhibitions, workshops, talks and tours. The programme takes place in the build up to the centenary celebrations of Mackintosh’s architectural masterpiece The Glasgow School of Art, in November.
The programme is available online at www.glasgowmackintosh.com from today and at Mackintosh attractions this weekend. It will then be distributed to Visitor Information Centres, Mackintosh venues and other key tourist areas such as restaurants and hotels.
The launch took place at the VisitScotland Expo in front of representatives from the international tourism industry. Celebrating its 30th year, VisitScotland Expo is the only completely Scottish business-to-
Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868 – 1928) was born in the Townhead area of Glasgow. He went on to be considered one of the most creative figures of the 20th century and a leading figure in the European Art Nouveau movement
Mackintosh 100 lasts for eight months, if the events were organised consecutively it would take a visitor over two weeks to enjoy everything on offer.
Highlights of the programme include the start of the Mackintosh Experience Bus Tour in May, Walking tours organised by the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society throughout the summer and a birthday party for Mackintosh in June to celebrate his 141st birthday.
In July, a children’s Mackintosh summer school is planned. August brings the start of a series of detailed talks at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum about objects in the Mackintosh and Glasgow Style Gallery.
The Mackintosh Church at Queen’s Cross marks its 110th year in September. Later that month, visitors can also see the ‘Mackintosh and Glasgow School of Art’ exhibition at the Hunterian Art Gallery and explore his connection to the school.
Mackintosh 100 will culminate with the opening of a centenary exhibition at Glasgow School of Art on the 30th of November marking St Andrew’s Day and the final day of Homecoming 2009. The School then begins its own six-month celebrations.
Mackintosh 100 aims to bring in cultural tourists through a variety of events and support the Homecoming campaign. A VisitScotland survey found 70% of tourists to Scotland rated culture and tradition as an important or a very important reason for visiting, while 87% rated having a variety of things to see and do as important or higher (VisitScotland visitor survey December 2008)
Scotland’s major tourism bodies, EventScotland, VisitScotland and Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, are supporting the campaign. It is expecting boost the local economy by £300,000, bring in an additional 3,500 visitors to Glasgow and help sell over 2000 nights in the city’s hotels.
The Mackintosh Heritage Group (MHG), on behalf of the Glasgow School of Art, coordinated the programme. It forms part of a five-year plan supported by Scottish Enterprise to grow Mackintosh related tourism. The group represents the Mackintosh attractions in Glasgow and Hill House in Helensburgh. The Glasgow Art Club, Burrell Collection and Glasgow Museum Resource Centre are also hosting events.
Tourism Minister, Jim Mather, said:
“Mackintosh 100 is a valuable addition to the ever-expanding programme of Homecoming events, and a great way to celebrate the centenary of The Mackintosh Building of the Glasgow School of Art.
“Homecoming 2009 is shaping up to be a great success. With over 300 events and activities taking place across the country celebrating Burns and some of Scotland's other great contributions to the world, there will be something for everyone.
“Charles Rennie Mackintosh, our most internationally famous architect, has made significant contributions to the world and the influence of his work continues to inspire new generations of architects around the world today. I am sure those attending these events will enjoy the experience and will be inspired by the other world-class attractions that Glasgow, and Scotland, have to offer.”
Peter Lederer, Chairman of VisitScotland said;
"We are delighted that Mackintosh100 have chosen to launch at VisitScotland Expo, Scotland's flagship travel trade event that celebrates its 30th year in 2009. Mackintosh100 presents a fantastic selection of exciting things to see and do within the Homecoming Scotland 2009 events programme and it is fitting to launch at Expo which this year attracts an impressive increase in both UK and International buyers."
Stuart Robertson, Chair of the Mackintosh Heritage Group, said:
“Scotland has many unique cultural assets to attract visitors. Amongst its gems are the works of Mackintosh and his contemporaries. His designs have inspired creative people across the world. It is appropriate people have the opportunity to celebrate Mackintosh as part of Homecoming Scotland.”
Bailie Liz Cameron, Vice-Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, added:
“Mackintosh 100 forms part of the Mackintosh 5-year Development Plan, which will maximise the legacy of Glasgow’s greatest architectural and design icon in attracting additional visitors to the city.”
“The diversity of the Mackintosh 100 programme, which features talks, tours and trips, will undoubtedly appeal to aficionados as well as those who are new to his creative genius.”
Web resources
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