Tag: Honorary Doctorate

Jupiter Artland founder honoured by Edinburgh Napier

Sculpture garden inspires next generation

The co-founder of world-renowned contemporary art attraction Jupiter Artland has spoken of her pride after being awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Edinburgh Napier University.

Nicky Wilson was given the honour during the University’s graduation ceremony at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, in recognition of her work to inspire the next generation of artists.

An accomplished artist in her own right, Nicky set up Jupiter Artland on the outskirts of Edinburgh in 2009, with the park’s distinctive sculptured grass landscape and permanent works quickly establishing it as one of Scotland’s most significant artistic projects.

Nicky said: “It means so much to me to have the work of Jupiter Artland and the team over the last 20 years recognised by the University.

“It’s a wonderful thing to be given a graduation, when I didn’t have one right at the beginning. I did get my degree, but I didn’t go to it.

“It’s with regret that I didn’t go because I now know how much it feels like you’re at the beginning of another chapter of your life. And funnily enough, this feels like the beginning of another chapter of my life.

“The recognition from the work that’s been done so far is just spurring me on to do more.”

Born in Edinburgh, Nicky graduated with a BA, then an MA in sculpture – continuing to practice it alongside a career in marketing and PR.

Since the creation of Jupiter Artland, it was nominated for ArtFund’s Museum of the Year in 2016. It has also become a powerful learning space for young people, offering free school visits throughout the year.

In 2017, Nicky founded Jupiter Rising, a festival of avant-garde music, art and film for young artists and performers from diverse backgrounds, and in 2018 she set up the ORBIT Youth Council, a creative collective for 16 to 18-year-olds from all over Scotland. Most recently, Jupiter+ was established as an offsite commissioning programme designed to inspire the next generation of artists. 

There have also been several examples of collaboration between Jupiter Artland and Edinburgh Napier University. 

One project involved replicating the entire park in Minecraft – which was used to connect with young people across the world during lockdown – while a recent immersive installation to a formerly vacant shop on Ayr’s high street included a learning experience put together with the help of ENU.

Giving the laureation speech to award Nicky with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University, Dr Tom Flint, Associate Professor in Edinburgh Napier’s School of Arts & Creative Industries, said: “It is hard to imagine anyone with more passion for art, artists and the opportunities creative practice affords than Nicky.

“Working with Nicky and her team has opened a world of radical engagement and inclusivity. The resulting knowledge generated from our collaborations has been presented at conferences around the world.

“Nicky’s generosity and outlook have augmented my own practice as well that of as numerous colleagues and students.  As a university we have immense gratitude for all she has achieved.”

Founding Edinburgh Book Festival Director recognised with Honorary Doctorate from Edinburgh Napier

Jenny Brown has worked with many of the biggest names in Scottish literature

A leading figure in Edinburgh’s book scene, and founding Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, has been recognised with an Honorary Doctorate from Edinburgh Napier University.

Jenny Brown established the literary agency Jenny Brown Associates in 2002, and previously served as Head of Literature at the Scottish Arts Council and presented book programmes for STV.

She is now Vice-Chair of Edinburgh International Book Festival, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. 

Jenny was awarded her new title of Doctor of the University, and collected her Honorary Degree, during Edinburgh Napier’s graduation ceremony at the Usher Hall today (Wednesday), in recognition of her major contribution to literature and publishing.

Jenny Brown Founding director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival receiving an Honorary Doctorate At Edinburgh Napier University

Jenny said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be receiving this Doctorate – it’s a real honour. I’ve had a long association with the University. I’ve talked to the publishing students, I’ve had lots of interns at my literary agency from the publishing course, and I’ve been to the creative writing studios quite a number of times. So it’s a lovely honour.

“It’s thrilling to have somebody who has worked in literature all their life recognised this way. I’m not an academic, I’m somebody who believes in the power of reading and power of writing – and somebody who believes very strongly that Scottish writing has got a lot to offer on the international stage.”

Giving her laureation, David Bishop, creative writing lecturer at ENU’s School of Arts and Creative Industries, said: “If anyone who knows the value of a story, it’s Jenny – a woman who revolutionised the way Scotland thinks about reading, writing and publishing.

“A 40-year career in the arts, festivals, publishing and literature has given Jenny a unique perspective on the ability of writers to move and inspire us, and on the power of stories to entertain, to educate and to enthral. 

“There is no doubt Jenny’s involvement has been a significant part in the renaissance of Scotland’s writing and publishing industries.”

Jenny was born in Manchester but grew up in Edinburgh. At the age of 24, she was given six months to pull the first Edinburgh book festival together in 1983. It proved so successful it returned two years later and became the annual fixture it is today.

Today she runs an acclaimed literary agency in Edinburgh with a roster of bestselling and multi-award-winning authors. She has worked with William McIlvanney, the godfather of Tartan Noir, and helps keep alive the work of acclaimed writers such as George Mackay Brown and Alasdair Gray. 

In addition to her storied career in literature, Jenny has been a consultant for the creation of Edinburgh Napier’s acclaimed BA English programme, taken on students from the Publishing Masters as interns, and been a frequent guest speaker on the University’s Creative Writing programme.  

Edinburgh Napier’s autumn graduation ceremonies are being held between 24-26 October at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall. Once again the nearby Shakespeare’s pub, on Lothian Road, is being renamed The Napier Graduate for the occasion.