'Chocolate shop' where you can't buy anything opens on Paisley high street

An unusual art installation has popped up on Paisley’s high street in the form of a “chocolate shop”.

An unoccupied shop has literally been covered in chocolate by award-winning artist Anya Gallaccio, alongside a space that offers free art lessons to children.

Anya, who was born in Paisley, told STV News her main aim was to evoke emotion in anyone that steps in – by way of scent.

“Often, people think it [art] should be beautiful – this is a work that doesn’t necessarily prioritise sight,” she said.

“I think the most memorable thing is the smell. Smell, for me, is something that triggers memory.

An unoccupied shop has literally been covered in chocolate by artist Anya Gallaccio. STV News

“I think people will spend time here and I hope, depending on your lived experience – the lens that you are looking through – you response to this work will be very different.”

The shop, named Stroke, will be viewable at 18 High Street, Paisley from September 7 to December 31.

It is partly-funded by Future Paisley, a cultural regeneration partnership scheme, led by Renfrewshire Council. It’s also part of Jupiter Artland’s JUPITER+ arts and learning programme.

The programme aims to use the power of arts, heritage and culture to impact social and economic change, and includes an arts space across the street for Paisley’s young people.

Young people across Renfrewshire have been invited to explore Anya's work with the JUPITER+ Learning Team. — Young people across Renfrewshire have been invited to explore Anya’s work with the JUPITER+ Learning Team. STV News

Here, students from every high school, college and community group across Renfrewshire have been invited to explore Anya’s work with the JUPITER+ Learning Team.

Through these sessions, they will receive mentorship and coaching, developing creative self-expression and the ability to take actions which influence the world around them.

Cultural regeneration lead for Future Paisley, Katie Nicoll, said: “I’m particularly delighted that a number of Renfrewshire young people will participate in the JUPITER+ ORBIT mentorship programme.

The shop, named Stroke, will be viewable at 18 High Street, Paisley from September 7 to December 31. STV News

“This aligns with one of Future Paisley’s key priorities, to broaden young people’s access to art and cultural activity in the areas they live.

“The ambition is that by opening up access to art through participation in this youth-led collective, we can support young people in the area to broaden their horizons and consider all opportunities available to them.

“The fact Anya is also connected to the area further helps to illustrate what’s possible and I’m sure will help empower another generation to consider future creative paths they may not have otherwise considered.”