Glasgow Effect artist Ellie Harrison defends controversial project

Artist Ellie Harrison has defended her art project after criticism of the £15,000 grant she received from Creative Scotland.

The 36-year-old plans to live and work in Glasgow for a year to examine the effect confining herself to one city will have upon her artistic career.

The concept has come under fire and it has been confirmed that her plan to donate the grant to Dundee University in exchange for a year’s paid leave goes against the rules of Creative Scotland’s funding.

That issue remains under review by the university. Harrison broke her silence to give an interview to political website Common Space.

She said: “I see it as the role of the artist to stick their neck out in order to raise important social and political issues.

“Although I’ve had to deal with a barrage of personal attacks, making myself into a middle class punchbag, I don’t regret the decision to change the project title to ‘The Glasgow Effect’.”

Creative Scotland said: “We have made clear our funding criteria. The university is in discussion with Miss Harrison and it will be up to them to negotiate her leave.”