July 2, 2014
Salute to mother who wouldn’t take no for an answer
50 years ago a mother asked her son’s primary school to provide him with violin lessons. When the school refused, the mother went out and set up a community arts group to make sure that no other child in her area would be denied what she considered to be a basic educational right. To mark the 50th anniversary of the internationally renowned Craigmillar Festival Society, a statue of this doughty campaigner has been unveiled – one of only three public statues in Edinburgh to honour women.
2/7/14
A statue (to see photograph of statue click here) is to be unveiled honouring the woman behind the internationally recognised Craigmillar Festival, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Dr Helen Crummy’s venture has been lauded worldwide for its innovative approach to community arts, social change and community action.
She set it up when her son’s school refused to give him a violin lesson.
The sculpture, by Tim Chalk, is being unveiled on Friday outside the East Neighbourhood Centre.
Dr Crummy has also been to the European Parliament to speak about its success.
The statue shows Dr Crummy handing her son a violin bow.
The sculpture, one of only three public statues in Edinburgh to honour women, also incorporates work by local adults and children who will sing at the unveiling ceremony.
Edinburgh art patron, professor Richard Demarco will unveil the statue.
Dr Crummy’s son’s original violin will also be played at the Niddrie Road ceremony at 14:00 on Friday.
The statue was funded by the City of Edinburgh Council, with a further contribution by Craigmillar Castle Regeneration Group.