Barter Swap Shop sees art exchanged for experiences

Art made by people with learning disabilities to be swapped for lessons, makeovers and more
A new swap shop is coming to Edinburgh, which will see art that has been designed and made by people with learning disabilities swapped for experiences.
Taking place at the Pig Rock Bothy in the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One, the work featured in the shop has been created in collaboration with Artlink, a service dedicated to developing and delivering community art activities and events.
Items range from posters to a limited edition apron and a gilded knuckle duster, with a guide list of each artist’s interests provided so that the ‘buyer’ can creatively consider what it is they can exchange for the item.
Examples of suggested exchanges include a vintage glamour makeover and photoshoot in exchange for posters; a set of high quality felt tip pens for animal drawings; a lesson in grand piano or Take That tickets for an apron; ice hockey match tickets or open mic folk night tickets in exchange for cactus giclee prints; and trike rides or drumming lessons in exchange for original textiles.
The Artlink barter project, which was established three years ago, aims to exchange artworks for experiences which would extend the skills and interests of those involved, giving the artists an opportunity to try something new.
Previous barters include a box for housing magician’s equipment being traded for magic shows, and a sign made for a vintage car company being exchanged for trips out in a Rolls-Royce.
Coordinator of the programme, Kara Christine, said: ‘We intentionally want the audience to really think about the value of the work, to learn a little about the individual who made it and then make an offer. We have found in the past that all people involved get to do the most amazing things. It's win-win for all concerned.'
Barter Swap Shop, The Pig Rock Bothy, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art from Mon 16 Mar–Sun 22 Mar.