Uganda

The area surrounding the Devonshire Building has been landscaped, and a new avenue of lime trees has been planted. Newcastle University's Devonshire Building has already won two major awards for its environmentally-friendly, energy-efficient design. In October, it became the first University laboratory to be awarded an 'Excellent' rating under the Building Research Establishment's Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM). Last week, The building was named RICS North East 'Building of the Year' at the first ever RICS regional renaissance award ceremony, after winning the 'Sustainability' category at the same ceremony.

Following the unveiling of the sculptures, the leader of Newcastle City Council, Mr Tony Flynn, has been invited to bury a time-capsule containing a history of the University and images of the construction of the Institute, in the floor of the Devonshire Building.

Lilian Nabulime was born in Nsambya, Uganda in 1963. Currently studying for a PhD in Fine Art at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, she holds a BA, Postgraduate Diploma and MA in Fine Arts from Makerere University (MUK), Uganda, where she is now a lecturer in School of Fine Art, and from 1998-2001, she was head of the Sculpture Department.

She has exhibited her work worldwide, mounting solo shows in Kenya, Uganda and Glasgow, Scotland, and participating in international exhibitions throughout Africa, the USA, Europe and the UK. Lilian, who works mainly with wood and metal, describes her works as humorous forms inspired by women, tree roots and other forms and materials'.

She is a member of the Women's Art Library, London; the International Museum of Women (USA), and the Uganda Artists' Association.

Melanie Reed in the University Press Office +44 (0) 191 222 5791; e-mail press.office@ncl.ac.uk