The body tasked with improving the heart of Aberdeen hopes the arrival of a colony of giant, inflatable rabbits this Christmas will boost the city’s cultural credentials.
The five 23ft-high spectacular light installations will set up home at Aberdeen’s Union Terrace Gardens in December as part of the Winter Festival.
Councillors have raised their concerns about what the quirky structures will bring to the city.
But Aberdeen Inspired insist the coup will put the north-east on the cultural map following high profile appearances at festivals across the globe, including New York, Paris, London and Sydney.
Chief executive Gary Craig revealed they had been working closely with Australian artist, Amanda Parer, to bring the unusual artwork to Scotland.
Parer has been selected four times for the Blake Prize, as well as for the Glover Prize in 2008, 2012 and 2013.
The artist said the whole point of the giant rabbits is not to fit in with their surroundings as such.
She said they are part of a “fantasy” world where nothing it quite what it seems.
“The whole idea of having these giant pieces on display is that they don’t fit in,” she said.
“It is a playful art work that evokes fantasy and wonder. It has been designed to give the sense that five giant glowing white rabbits have just hopped in and intruded on a given environment, in this case the Aberdeen’s wonderful Union Terrace Gardens.”
Mr Craig said the artwork – which Parer has named ‘Intrude’ – is proof the city is committed to boosting its cultural credentials.
“Aberdeen has been criticised for its commitment to the arts. In my view that is unfair – there is a very healthy cultural scene which can grow and thrive with the right support,” he said.
“Amanda Parer has earned wonderful reviews for Intrude, which is a truly stunning piece of work and one which has won international acclaim.
“Aberdeen Inspired has worked hard to bring this installation to the city centre and we’re delighted to be preparing to welcome Amanda and Intrude to what we feel will be a stunning setting.
“It will bring a real sense of fantasy and intrigue to the heart of an area that will be a hive of activity during the festive period.
“Of course art of any type has the power to spark debate and divide opinion, but we have been incredibly encouraged by the excitement which is already building.”