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A beautiful and engaging new public artwork will be installed in our campus grounds, this year, as part of our 150^th anniversary celebrations. Created by a local artist, Martha Ellis, the sculptural work will be a permanent installation for students, staff, visitors and the local community to enjoy.   

Made possible by donations from members of the QMU community, Martha was selected from a pool of applicants to design the artwork. Her work is intended to capture the people and activities which make up QMU, both from the past and present, creating a unique piece that will inspire all who visit, study and work at the campus.   

Martha is a visual artist with a passion for showcasing a ‘sense of place’ in her signature ‘cut-out’ drawing style, using sheet metal. Students, staff, alumni, members of the QMU Association, and East Lothian residents have all helped inform the design process, and should be able to see themselves reflected in the final construction.  

Martha said: “Given QMU’s expertise in the creative and cultural sectors and community arts, there were lots of opportunities to engage with the University community. From my research, I was struck by the many amazing things that the University has achieved – and continues to achieve.”  

Martha’s artwork was displayed at an exhibition at QMU in March, giving some members of the community an exclusive look at the elements of the design before its official launch later this year.   

QMU's Principal, Sir Paul Grice, said: “This project is a great example of the power of philanthropy at QMU and showcases the impact our donors continue to make. QMU is all about people – improving people’s lives, producing graduates who can make a difference in the world, conducting research that has a positive impact, supporting students to achieve their goals, and creating a strong sense of community where everyone is welcome and where we support each other. We are sure this piece of art will not only be visually engaging but will also connect with the variety of people who make up our wider QMU community.”