Festival brings art to city centre

Wolverhampton Arts & Museums has teamed up with the University of Wolverhampton, Foursight Theatre, and a number of regional artists to bring a lively programme of art to the city centre this half term, 24 – 31 October 2009.

The aim is transform the main shopping centres for half-term with activities, workshops, exhibitions and displays to inspire the public.

It follows the revelation that Wolverhampton has one of the highest proportion of empty shop units in England and Wales according to The Local Data Company, with 21% of shop spaces in the city centre currently empty compared with 12% nationally.

Zoe Papiernik, Head of Marketing at Wolverhampton Arts and Museums, said: “We wanted to do something positive for the city and bring art to a wider audience.

“The festival follows on from a successful pilot scheme which saw one of the Mander Centre shops turned into an Andy Warhol-style Factory this summer. This demonstrated the potential for arts to contribute towards a vibrant city centre and we wanted to build on that success.

“It really will be an exciting week and we hope people will feel inspired to come along and find out more. There will be loads of attractions including pop-up exhibitions, installations, activities and theatrical performances.”

Exhibitors will include Lester Meacham, a Lecturer at the University’s School of Art and Design, Pretty Vacant, who bring art to empty shop units, White Tree Studio and Gallery, whose unusual work includes camouflage Alsatians, and a host of talented regional artists.

Workshops include everything from making paper shoes to recycled art and students from the University will exhibit a variety of work. The University will also run textiles and digital workshops.

For a complete programme see Art at the Centre.

Further information

To arrange a photograph, or for more information, please contact Emma Kilvert in the University of Wolverhampton Media Relations Office on 01902 322003.

Opening Times

Exhibitors and Artists

The Corner Shop by Foursight Theatre

Experience a unique shopping experience as you meander from a Willy Wonka world of a local sweetshop to the colourful fruit and veg of a Jamaican grocers, from a long-forgotten grocery shop to the intimate space of the family home behind. £7 / £5 concessions. To book call 0870 320 7000 or visit the Midland Box Office, Queen Square.

Eagle Works

Eagle works, one of Britain’s longest running artist groups present a special shop window projection specifically created for Art at the Centre, which celebrates the work of contemporary artists practicing in Wolverhampton today. Free.

Flip by Light House Media Centre

Get close, peer into the obscured window – what will you see? Light House Media Centre, present a snapshot from the forthcoming Flip animation festival taking place in the City from 5 – 7 November 2009. Free.

The Grand

A special dress, worn by a special fairytale character will be making an appearance in the Wulfrun Centre. Discover what it takes to be a real princess in time for this year’s pantomime. Free.

Lester Meacham

Exhibition of large scale digital paintings and illustrations by illustrator Lester Meacham. Free.  

Pretty Vacant

As graduates of University of Wolverhampton, Pretty Vacant was set up host temporary interventions in the public realm. By using vacant shop units, the artists create exhibitions specific to each site, bringing work of students and graduates together from across the country. Free.

subURBAN

Six regional artists who work within the street, urban or outsider realms of art come together to showcase their work which extends beyond and outside of the day to day. Of the moment and direct, the artists believe that art should be everywhere and for everyone. Free.

White Tree Studio and Gallery

From camouflage Alsatians, to shoes covered in maps, the White Tree Gallery artists never fail to surprise. Take in a range of mixed media work including painting, sculpture and photography and enjoy work from the City’s artistic community. Free.

University of Wolverhampton

Students from the University exhibit a selection of their work, including highlights from the fine art, textiles and fashion courses, through to digital work on screens. Free

Week of workshops - Wolverhampton Arts and Museums

Join one of twelve workshops taking place throughout the week. From paper shoes, to graphic comics, recycled art to fun drawing, The Mander Centre brings art to life for all the family.