WEEK4 SICP: HOME OF THE KELPIES
When planning my curatorial project, I knew that the venue would play a crucial role in the realisation of the theme. Inspired by the iconic outdoor event The Enchanted Forest, I planned to choose Helix Park Falkirk as the ideal location for the exhibition. This decision reflects a thoughtful balance between mythic resonance, natural beauty and modern innovation.
Introduction to the Enchanted Forest
Enchanted Forest 2009 – Scottish Myths & Legends.
The link between myth and local nature
Helix Park Falkirk is home to the Kelpies, two 30 metre high sculptures that pay homage to the mythical Scottish god of water and its industrial heritage. The sculptures provide a strong visual underpinning for my exhibition, seamlessly blending folklore with contemporary art. Unlike traditional gallery spaces, the open environment of the park allows visitors to engage with the myths in an organic and immersive way, thus creating a deeper connection with the stories being told.
The Kelpies glowing at night, creating a striking visual display in The Helix park, Scotland.
Outdoor spaces: enhancing immersion
The vast green space of the park provides an ideal venue for a dynamic and interactive exhibition. In addition to the traditional display panels and theme-related artefacts, I plan to draw on the concept of The Enchanted Forest to create a mythologically-inspired discovery trail. The trail will incorporate digital projections, sculptures and soundscapes to create an immersive experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in different mythological landscapes and bring ancient legends to life.
The Kelpies with intricate, glowing patterns during a nighttime light show. Scotland, June 2014.
Digital Storytelling
Helix Park’s open-plan environment is perfect for incorporating digital innovations. Building on the use of lighting and audio effects in The Enchanted Forest, I aim to incorporate augmented reality (AR) and projection mapping into the exhibition. For example, visitors can use their smartphones to ‘spot’ a Kelpie emerging from the water, or hear whispers of old stories as they walk through the park. This fusion of technology and folklore will create an experience that is both educational and fascinating.
Community engagement and accessibility
Another key strength of Helix Park is its accessibility and strong community presence. The park’s proximity to Falkirk town centre makes it easily accessible to local residents and visitors. The park houses an exhibition centre, providing a combination of indoor and outdoor display space for my exhibition projects. The existing infrastructure supports large scale events and ensures that exhibitions are inclusive and family friendly. I plan to work with local artists, storytellers and schools to organise workshops and performances to promote a deeper connection between the community and its cultural heritage.
Exhibition space at The Helix Visitor Centre.
References
Enchanted Forest. Accessed February 10, 2025. https://www.enchantedforest.org.uk/.
Henly, Anna. Enchanted Forest 2009 in Pitlochry. Accessed February 10, 2025. https://www.annahenly.co.uk/blog/enchanted-forest-in-pitlochry/.
Johnson, Ben. The Kelpie. Accessed February 10, 2025. https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/The-Kelpie/.
The Helix. Accessed February 10, 2025. https://www.thehelix.co.uk/.
The Herald. John Muir Festival to Open with the Launch of The Kelpies. Accessed February 10, 2024. http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/john-muir-festival-to-open-with-launch-of-the-kelpies.1392114461.
VisitScotland. The Helix: Home of the Kelpies. Accessed February 10, 2025. https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/the-helix-home-of-the-kelpies-p889261.
Warden, Claire. Home: The Celebratory Opening of the Kelpies at Helix Park, Falkirk. Scottish Journal of Performance 1, no. 2 (2014). https://doi.org/10.14439/sjop.2014.0102.02.
(https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/the-helix-home-of-the-kelpies-p889261)
I think your exhibition concept flows really well，from your research on Scottish myths and symbols, to incorporating interaction and community engagement, and finally choosing Helix Park as the exhibition venue. Your curatorial idea is becoming more complete and immersive.
I really like your idea of using AR, projections, and sound installations. This approach truly brings myths to life rather than just displaying them statically. I especially love your “Mythological Discovery Trail”—this immersive experience allows visitors to explore as they walk, making them feel like they’re stepping into Scotland’s legendary stories.
Also, your community engagement aspect is great! Collaborating with local artists and storytellers makes the exhibition feel more connected—not just a one-way presentation, but an interactive experience between the audience and culture. One thing you might consider is the overall structure of the exhibition—will each myth be a separate station, or will there be some kind of narrative connection between them? If the stories can flow together, the visitor experience might feel even smoother.
Overall, your project has great potential，it’s rich in cultural depth, has strong spatial design, and offers exciting interactive elements!
Your curatorial proposal for an exhibition at Helix Park Falkirk demonstrates a well-researched and thoughtful approach, effectively integrating mythology, nature, and contemporary digital storytelling.
A great part of your proposal is its emphasis on engagement through digital storytelling. Combining AR and projection mapping brings the myth to life, increasing innovation and interaction. The idea of having visitors “spot” Kelpie emerging from the water effectively enhances the immersion of the visitor. This approach not only makes the exhibition more engaging, but also broadens its appeal to different audiences.
One area for potential enhancement is the discussion of how the mythological discovery trail will be curated. While you outline its immersive elements, a clearer sense of narrative flow or visitor journey could help tie the experience together more cohesively. Additionally, considering sustainability in the use of digital technologies such as energy consumption or material selection, could further strengthen the consistency of the exhibition with the natural environment.
Looking forward to seeing your final exhibition!