NORFOLK CONTEMPORARY ART SOCIETY SIXTY YEARS ON… Highlights from the Norwich Castle Collection20/9/2016 NORFOLK CONTEMPORARY ART SOCIETY
SIXTY YEARS ON… Highlights from the Castle’s Collection Opening Saturday 24 September 2016 in the Timothy Gurney Gallery, Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery Private View, Monday 26 September, 6-8pm 2016 marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Norfolk Contemporary Art Society. To mark the occasion, and to showcase all the works that the NCAS have helped us to acquire over those years, Norwich Castle will stage an exhibition in the Timothy Gurney Gallery, opening on Saturday 24 September. Keith Roberts, Chair of NCAS Exhibitions Committee commented: “We are really delighted to be working with the Castle again, this time to celebrate our 60th anniversary by showing almost all the works that we have helped the Castle to acquire to strengthen their holdings in contemporary art. This will be an eye-watering representation of much of the history of post-war contemporary art and it will be enhanced by the simultaneous publication of our new fully-illustrated history of the society.” The Norfolk Contemporary Art Society was founded to “encourage the museum to acquire work in the modern idiom to balance its fine collections of the nineteenth-century Norwich School of painters”. It formed in 1956 following a debate the previous year, which took to the letters pages and subsequently feature pages of the Eastern Daily Press. The debate was ignited by a sensational exhibition of Contemporary British Art, which was held at the Castle in 1955. The interlocutors, David Carr and Jonathan Mardle, stirred debate on what was considered good art. Each side gathered a team of local supporters and each raised £50 to buy a painting that represented their idea of the best of current British art. The works were presented to the castle for acquisition, with the hope they would be exhibited alongside one another for a time so that the public could decide the verdict. These two paintings were L. S. Lowry’s Landscape with Farm Buildings of 1954, bought by the Carr team, and Charles Knight’s Summer Flood, North Wales, c. 1954, donated by the Mardle team. Knight was a devotee of Cotman and according to Mardle the work was “magnificent” and in the “grand tradition of landscape painting”. David Carr had more progressive ideas and promoted Lowry, who himself chose the above work, specifically for the Castle. Despite the exchange of stinging remarks, what resulted was wide public debate, a dual acquisition by the Castle, and the subsequent foundation of the Norfolk Contemporary Art Society. Art appreciation in the city was brought into the spotlight and whatever the tastes of the participants, or indeed the visitors to see the work, overall art was the winner. In the sixty years since then the Norfolk Contemporary Art Society has continued to assist the Castle in staying at the forefront of collecting contemporary work, and has often emboldened curators to select emerging artists yet to establish their reputation as Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Castle, Harriet Loffler, acknowledges: “The Norfolk Contemporary Art Society have been the lifeblood of the modern and contemporary collection at Norwich Castle. With their support we have been able to acquire landmark works by contemporary artists that make the collection alive and relevant for audiences today and in the future.” Over 50 works have been acquired with help from the Society and this carefully selected show of works from that collection makes a fitting contribution to the society’s anniversary celebrations. A new, fully-illustrated history of the society, Sixty Years On…, is being published to coincide with the launch of the exhibition. Works by the following artists will be included: Prunella Clough, Graham Sutherland, Keith Vaughan, Bernard Meadows, Alfred Cohen, Peter Lanyon, Maggi Hambling, Howard Hodgkin, John Hoyland, Colin Self, Ruth Ewan, Rosie Snell, Frances Kearney and Mark Edwards.
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Lots more cultural news for you - a friend was visiting this last weekend and he took a wander round Norwich. He is especially interested in visual arts as well as wider culture and he said he couldn't believe the vibrancy of Norwich. He lives near Chichester and he said he thought that the south coast had a lot going for it until he came here. It made me feel proud and a bit smug as I realised that he hadn't even scratched the surface of what we have in the city, never mind in Norfolk as a whole. So, we must make sure that we make the most of what we have laid on a plate for us and get out and see these things - so let's make a start.
Firstly don't forget we are in the last few days of the Giacometti and Cartier-Bresson exhibitions at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, and just a little bit longer to catch the various parts of the British Art Show 8 at Norwich Castle and NUA East Gallery and St George's Building in St George's Street until 3 September - make sure that you don't miss these top quality shows. Out of town, Salthouse Church is showing Margi Britz, John Midgely is at the Old Workshop Gallery Corpusty, and the River Waveney Sculpture Trail is in progress starting at the old Otter Trust near Bungay - I haven't been yet but I gather it is a really good and interesting way to take a country walk and spot site-specific artworks at the same time and tomorrow there is a tour guided by the curator Dulcie Humphrey: Waveney Sculpture Trail - Curator’s Guided Walk Saturday 20 August 10am – 12pm Cost £10/£8 W&BA and RWT members, includes entry fee Come and gain a greater insight into the works and artists who have contributed to this year’s trail in the company of curator Dulcie Humphrey. There are a number of other exhibitions in August - so please check out the listings on www.artinnorwich.org.uk as I don't have space for them all here There are also a couple of professional development opportunities and jobs - don't miss those - a call for submissions and two shows at Norwich Puppet Theatre written and performed by apprentices Emma Brierly and Lucy Enskat. People don't always realise how valuable and rare Norwich Puppet theatre is - it's is pretty unique to Norwich with only one or two places in the country developing and showing new work. The Theatre is a professional training ground for puppeteers and Emma and Lucy have been apprentices for the last few months. For Norwich/Norfolk residents, we are used to having these shows available but most places don't have live puppetry on their doorstep. It's a really good way to introduce young people to live theatre experience and actually, the shows are great for people of all ages - details are further down. THE UNDERCROFT GALLERY: ASYLUM EXHIBITION 12 August to 10 September 2016 Undercroft Gallery, Beneath the War Memorial, City Hall, St Peters St, NR2 1NH. Norwich. Participating artists: Gennadiy Ivanov, Julia Cameron, Alexandra Blythe, Martin Swan, Joanna Abel, Richard Cleland, Linda Johnson, Frances Martin, Andy Hornett, Peter Offord, Samia Malik, Gosia Miernik, Linda Chapman, Paul Jennings, Monika Wesselmann, Helen Wells, Tatiana Goddard, Katherine Grimbolina Gilmartin, Viv Castleton, Robert Nairn, John Sparks, Gela Durujeli, Nick Denney, Deanna Tyson, Sophia Shuvalova, Pauline Antram, Casia Coleman, Ian Anderson, John Rance This is a Tour de Force of work, a strong and powerful exhibition which is also very moving, involving Norfolk artists as well as those from further afield. The whole of the Undercroft has been turned into a labyrinth full of large-scale pieces and small scenarios. It's open every day and details and some film footage are available here CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: There is also a great fun opportunity for budding interior designers and architects, in fact anyone that likes making - on a mini scale Norwich Castle are holding an exhibition next March and in conjunction with that, they have a call for submissions for people to design and make a room. You have to submit a plan and then if your idea is chosen, you will be given the go-ahead, and a box, to make a room that will become part of the exhibition - here are the details but any questions, please contact Fi Hitchcock. If you love small worlds, then this is the one for you - and anyone can apply Exhibition details Small Stories: At Home in a Dolls’ House 4 March – 25 June 2017 A touring exhibition of stunning dolls’ houses from the V&A Museum of Childhood Call for submissions - Dream House 2017 exhibit …Do you sew, sculpt, paint, emboss, programme, construct, embroider or upholster - and if so could you do so in miniature? Please see the attached General Information and Submission Brief for an exciting new project relating to our spring 2017 exhibition here at Norwich Castle. In short, we are asking you to dream a little… and then send in your ideas on paper, for the chance to make a fantastical dolls’ house room which will form part of a unique exhibit in our prime gallery space. Anyone can apply, and we hope to showcase the skills of the widest range of Norfolk-based artists, designers, makers, crafters, arts and community groups and businesses – so if you have professional or amateur skills, a special interest or a message to proclaim, we hope this challenge will appeal. Key dates • 10 August - Call for submissions goes live • 7 October - closing date for receiving submission applications • 19-21 October – 20-25 successful contributors to be contacted and confirmed. • 31 October - empty boxes available • 3 February 2017 - last day to deliver completed rooms to Norwich Castle. Any questions or for more info email Fiona Hitchcock fi.hitchcock@norfolk.gov.uk. NB Fi works Wednesday to Friday at Norwich Castle There is more information on www.artinnorwich.org.uk including downloadable CALL OUT TO WRITERS AND FILM_MAKERS: Great professional development opportunity for writers, directors, producers and film-makers in the East East of England Talent Module: How to Get a First Feature Made As part of the BFI NET.WORK, Creative England in partnership with write2screen, are launching a new Talent Module aimed at new and emerging writers, directors and producers in the East of England looking to make their first feature film. The free module will cover the key stages of developing, funding, producing and releasing a first feature film where you’ll get the opportunity to hear from industry experts and strike new collaborations in the region. Who can apply? New and emerging writers, directors and producers based in the East of England (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk) who have a strong and interesting track record in storytelling – film, novels, TV, theatre, stand-up comedy, poetry, visual arts, music videos etc. – but haven’t made a feature film. On Thursday 8 September at Writers’ Centre Norwich there will be an opportunity to meet the team from Creative England and write2screen and ask questions about the module at a special short film screening and networking event. To book your place please register via Eventbrite at http://east-england-talent.eventbrite.co.uk. Applications are now open and you can apply at www.creativeengland.co.uk/film/talent-development Deadline for applications: Monday 12th September 2016 Talent Modules: Thursday 6th October, Wednesday 9th November, Thursday 1st December, Monday 12th December, Thursday 12th January and Thursday 16th February - please ensure you can make at least five of these sessions Venues: Writers’ Centre Norwich and Cinema City in Norwich. Applications: Talent Module via www.creativeengland.co.uk/film/talent-development Please make sure to read the FAQs on the website before applying. Further information can be found here http://creativeengland.co.uk/film/talent-development Norwich Puppet Theatre summer show - Landscapes An outdoor show (wet weather contingency!) which has been newly created to performed as street theatre and toured to other cities, towns and festivals will be performed outside Norwich Puppet Theatre on the following dates Tuesday 23/Monday 29/Tuesday 30 August at 11am, 2pm and 4pm. Called Landscapes, it is consists of two pieces 'Legs 11' written and performed by Emma Brierly - it's an absurdists tale of land and home - told through song, puppetry and a game of chance and 'Like a Tree' written and performed by Lucy Enskat Down oin the woods a sapling grows, up thorough the ground and towards the sky. At the same time, a child is born and their lives entwine in a sweet tale of life, love and everything after. Tickets for both shows are £8 with a family of four ticket £28 from www.puppettheatre.co.uk Royal Drawing School expands its Young Artists Programme to Norwich Drawing is a crucial route to innovation across the creative disciplines and beyond, from fashion, fine art and animation, to filmmaking, product and graphic design, architecture and engineering. Catherine Goodman, Artistic Director The Young Artists programme for 10 to 18 year olds offers a unique opportunity to students from all backgrounds who want to develop their drawing skills. These skills prepare them for a range of studies and careers in which drawing and creative thinking provide an important foundation. We currently offer a number of opportunities in London for young artists, and this Autumn Term we are expanding to Norwich and Glasgow. Please find a summary of the Young Artists Programme in the Brochure attached, and details of the Norwich Drawing Club below. DRAWING CLUB: NORWICH AGED 10 – 14 Drawing Clubs Our weekly Drawing Clubs for 10 to 14 year olds are open to children who have a passion for drawing and who are able to commit to attending a weekly after-school or weekend class. The Drawing Clubs are led by professional artists who are alumni of our postgraduate programme, The Drawing Year, and experienced in teaching children. Drawing comes naturally to young children, and is fundamental to their learning, growth, and understanding of the world around them. The Drawing Clubs help children retain and develop these drawing abilities and sustain their enthusiasm for self-expression within an artist-led environment. Regular drawing at any age can enhance focus and concentration and increase self-esteem, and this can be especially beneficial for school-age children. The skills learned can also support students’ pursuit of a wide range of creative subjects in school, further and higher education, and open doors to careers in the arts, design, architecture, and science. Venue Lion House, Muspole Street, Norwich Price £150 per ten-week term, this includes materials costs. Date and time Every Saturday From 1 October 2016 to 3 December 2016 10 sessions 11am – 1pm Tutors Various tutors Book via the website or contact: +44(0)20 7613 8568 / admin@royaldrawingschool.org Job opportunities Theatre Royal Norwich DATA & ONLINE MANAGER 29k per annum To support the work of the marketing department and online communication. This role would suit someone with database management experience, and who has online/digital marketing skills. To download the job description and application form, visit http://bit.ly/DataOnlineManager . Closing date: 2nd September 2016. Interviews will be held at the Theatre Royal on 15th September 2016. Norfolk & Norwich Festival Internships offered through the Creative Employment Programme (full-time; 8/9 months) Norfolk & Norwich Festival is offering two internships through the Creative Employment Programme as follows; Production Intern (30 September 2016 – 2 June 2017) Events & Administration Intern (30 September 2016 – 30 June 2017) Interns will play key roles in ensuring the successful delivery of this nationally and increasingly internationally significant arts Festival and in continuing to develop Norfolk & Norwich Festival’s reputation as a highly professional, efficient and well-regarded organisation. These are exciting opportunities to be an integral member of the Festival team and to gain valuable work experience. Supervision and support will be provided. Role Descriptions Production Intern (LMS Reference Number NOS/152374) The Production Intern will play a key role in providing support to the Production team in the run up to and delivery of Norfolk & Norwich Festival 2017 (12-28 May). Working with the Head of Production, Production Coordinator, Technical Manager and Production Assistant the role will provide an opportunity to gain valuable work experience within production and arts administration and will offer an insight into the workings of an internationally renowned Festival. Events & Administration Intern (LMS Reference Number NOS/152373) The Events & Administration Intern will play a key role in providing support to the Development team, working with the Director of Development and Development Manager. The role will provide an opportunity to gain valuable work experience within event management, business administration and fundraising. This is a great opportunity for someone who is looking to develop a career in fundraising, business administration and/or events management. Deadline for receipt of applications is 9.30 am Monday 5 September 2016. Interviews will be held in w/c 12 September. The successful applicants will be required to start in role on Friday 30 September 2016. Application is by the completion of Norfolk & Norwich Festival’s application form only available from your local Jobcentre Plus. For further information see our website - http://www.nnfestival.org.uk/about_us/vacancies There are certain criteria you must meet in order to be eligible to apply for a Creative Employment Programme funded internship. At the time of applying you must be aged 18 to 24 years old and you must be registered as unemployed with Jobcentre Plus. These eligibility criteria have been approved by the Department of Work and Pensions The Shift Norwich: Culture Shift, Design Shift, Digital Shift Developing and promoting Norwich as a city of culture Marion Catlin Director Culture Shift network Telephone 07946 261651 LinkedIn Marion de Mello Catlin Skype marionecatlin Twitter accounts marionofnorwich and norwichcultcity Website: www.theshiftnorwich.org.uk Culture Shift Network is a free communication resource for the arts and cultural community of Norwich. If you would rather not receive email updates please email back asking to unsubscribe. Please feel free to forward on to other networks and contacts, and if you would like to be added to the list for your own copy, please email me at culture@theshiftnorwich.org.uk or visit www.theshiftnorwich.org.uk. Thank you Wednesday 3 August 7.30pm
The primacy of text : Improve your proposals Discusses text in contemporary practice: artists statements, proposals for exhibitions, other applications, and requirements for text in an artist's practice. Admission free, and no booking required, just turn up St Margaret's Church, Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk Well, what a week we have had. Not only did the British Art Show launch a week ago amidst torrential rain, but we woke up to the decision that British people had, by a small majority, voted to leave the European Union. Not in Norwich however where there was a significant majority that wanted to remain, myself amongst them. The small overall majority 52%/48% is a bitter gall for many people and it is an issue that has divided the country, sent all of the political powers into chaos and deeply affected the whole of Europe - in fact the World, as economic shockwaves have been felt everywhere. It has been so much in the news that I am sure that I don't need to bang on here except to say that I hope that those of us involved in the arts and culture sectors can use our skills to try and influence the mood to quell the isolationist, racist and homophobic atmosphere that seems to be taking a hold in the space that has been created. So, onto the British Art Show8. I hope that it has not escaped your attention but knowing how busy everyone is and hard it is to keep up, I am going to try and guide you through BAS8 in instalments as I catch up with it myself. Much of the work is the kind that baffles many people (me included) without any explanation but I have found that once I understand a bit more, I get a lot more out of visiting contemporary exhibitions. I think BAS8 is a good example of this so I would say, take advantage of any guided tour that is offered and if you go to one of the exhibiting galleries under your own steam, don't be afraid to ask - it won't only be you that is baffled and the stewards will be only too happy to tell you what they know. You can find out all about it here. There are also lots of extra events - next week (6 July) there is a talk by Alan Kane and on 13 July there is a talk by artist Mikhail Karikis. On the website are details of events and also every day there are featured artists. The show is hosted at Norwich Castle (charges apply)* and Norwich University of the Arts (St George's Building) (admission free), East Gallery NUA (on the corner of Bridewell Alley and St Andrew's Street) as well as one piece in the Forum * Adult: £6.50, Concession (over 65s): £5.50, Child (age 4-18): £4.50 - there are lots of other deals and concessions and you can go in for an hour before closing for just £2 So what is my impression? I went to the launch night which was a dazzling series of venues, people, artists, performances and artworks all liberally seasoned with downpours and storms. It was hard to really see much of the actual work under the circumstances but there were some special performances - most notably a performance art piece which included a professional soprano singing the words displayed on a scrolling digital board - the piece is called Cally Spooner, Damning Evidence Illicit Behaviour Seemingly Insurmountable Great Sadness Terminated In Any Manner which expressed disappointment in cyclist Lance Armstrong. It fascinated people at the launch to be so close to an opera singer and the acoustic of the Castle galleries meant that there was a really full and rich sound. I also realised that I needed to go back and investigate the work - there are over 100 pieces over the 4 venues it was impossible to spend enough time in one go. I want to go back and watch Rachael Maclean's film which is an hour long - and I am a member of the East Anglia Art Fund (membership £25 a year) which enables me to go back to the Castle as often as I want to but even if you are not a member (it is worth joining though) you can go in for £2 for an hour before closing ie 3.30pm. So my approach is going to be to go back to a different part each week and digest it gradually rather than let myself be overwhelmed by a lot of work that actually needs some time spent to get the most out of it. I realise that not everyone will be motivated to do this so I will blog regular reports on how I am getting on - follow me on the www.artinnorwich.org.uk blog if you want a bit of help in unwrapping BAS8 in Norwich - one of the biggest art events in Norwich for years. The show is here until 3rd September so you can afford to take your time to enjoy it. But don't forget, there are loads of other art events going on, not least the wonderful Giacometti show at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts. As well as work by Giacometti there is also work by a number of other artists who were his contemporaries. It is beautifully exhibited in the lower galleries of the Sainsbury Centre, an oasis of the highest quality art underground and tucked away but nevertheless really well worth making time for - you have a sense of seeing something really special. This weekend the Lord Mayor's Celebrations and the Urban Art Fair will be filling the centre of Norwich. The Urban Art Fair is a new event and will be on St Peter's Street on Sunday 3 July. The city centre will be buzzing and it will be worth checking out road closures and any other obstacles to getting around the city this weekend - but come in by bus or bike and get involved in the fun. Constellation The Undercroft, Norwich 2nd July – 17th July 2016 Also in the city centre is a new exhibition in the Undercroft beneath the Memorial Gardens called Constellation curated by NUA tutor Carl Rowe. Constellation is a project featuring staff and alumni from Norwich University of the Arts and The Piet Zwart Institute, Rotterdam Wednesday – Saturday 12noon – 6pm Sunday 12noon – 4pm Inaugural exhibition at the new Hudson Gallery, Hudson Architects St Andrew's Street - Solidity and Transparency - new works by Philip Walmsley Hudson Architects are well-known in Norwich and beyond for their work on a number of arts building eg Open at the old Barclay's Bank building and soon to work on the Castle Keep. They recently moved into new premises in St Andrew's Street and saw the opportunity to turn their meeting room into a gallery space. It has a large window facing the street. The first exhibition is by Philip Walmsley whose pencil works are graphical representations of the internal spaces of buildings, the volume inside. Philip was an ideal choice for this space as the subject matter is both architectural and creative. The gallery is within a working architectural practice so the current exhibition will be open to the public every Thursday from 12pm - 2pm. If you would like to visit at other times from Monday to Friday, please contact sian@hudsonarchitects.co.uk to arrange an appointment. See more details on the website. Skippings Gallery in Great Yarmouth has the Yarmouth 5 exhibiting Exhibition runs from Saturday 25th June to Saturday 23rd July, open Wednesdays to Saturdays 11am to 4pm Skippings Gallery, 133 King Street, Great Yarmouth, NR31 6SW Norwich 20 Group new exhibition Eastern Horizons at The Forum 4-15 July Norwich 20 Group annual show featuring work by over 70 artists, called 'Eastern Horizons' from Monday 4 July with a private view from 6.30pm that evening - all welcome! Show continues until 15 July. At The Garage Chapelfield tonight Friday 1 July 8pm DAME NATURE Dame Nature is a bearded lady who has been looking after her facial furniture for as long as she can remember. And she just can’t stop combing over the past. Join her as she contemplates the fading roar of the crowd, lost love and the merits of Phil Collins’ solo work. see www.thegarage.org.uk for booking details At The Wharf Academy tonight Friday 1 July Acoustic Night curated by creative intern Sarah Harrington - see www.facebook.com/events/899886950137943 for details WOW Music Festival 2016 If you fancy a trip out of Norwich, don't forget the WOW Festival just outside Diss. There is camping and lots of music including the Undertones and CC Smugglers - find out more here Jimmy Cauty's ADP Riot Tour comes to Norwich in August For those of you that clocked Banksy's dystopian art installation Dismaland Bemusement Park in a derelict resort in Weston-super-Mare in 2015 but weren't able to get there, a taste of it is coming to Norwich 1-3 August. Artist Jimmy Cauty was one half of the band KLF which rose to fame in the 80s and who achieved fame/notoriety by burning £1million pound notes in Scotland. Jimmy's contribution to Dismaland was a dystopian model village depicting riots and disaster scenes - miniature figures in tiny scenarios complete with flashing lights and florrie jackets. Now the village has been rebuilt in a 40foot shipping container and is touring riot sites in the UK this year. As Norwich can claim several riots including the Priory Riots in 1443, Kett's Rebellion in 1549 (performances of which you can see at various places around Norwich this weekend by players Common Lot) and the Poll Tax riots in 1990 the shipping container will be installed on the Forum amphitheatre area from 1-3 August where you will be able to see the miniature scenes through peepholes. This is a great coup for Norwich as it is a major artwork for 2016 which has a sense of fun whilst being thought-provoking at the same time. The idea apparently started with Jimmy's mini disaster scenes in jam jars. There will be more info about this in the next week or two but if you have any info about riots in Norwich or want to get involved in another way, please get in touch with me at info@theshiftnorwich.org.uk. I will also be looking for people to 'steward' the container during its stay and to talk to members of the public about the installation so if that interests you and you have some time, please let me know. There is a smaller version of the installation at the Royal Academy Summer Show - it's for sale for £46,000! Cley Contemporary Art Exhibition - Cley 16 In Norfolk Now This popular annual show launches on 6th July and is open to the public from 7 July to 7 August at St Margaret's Church Cley-next-the Sea and the Norfolk Wildlife Trust centre at Cley and other venues in Cley. It is curated by architect and artist Hugh Pilkington this year and features work by 72 artists. There is also a series of curator's talks, concerts, workshops and other events. It is worth a trip out to this exhibition which brings high quality art opportunities to north Norfolk. Find out more at www.cleycontemporaryart.org Launch of the Shoe Factory Social Club at St Mary's Works Recently, two major factory sites in central Norwich have been bought by London-based developer Architekton, headed up by Dominic Richards who describes himself as a 'local boy'. As well as a London base he has a home in Suffolk and has an affinity with Norwich. As part of the development, Architekton are establishing a creative 'meanwhile use' by allowing part of the St Mary's Works building (the bit that used to be called Hymns Ancient and Modern) to be used for exhibitions, performances, film showings and more, so keep an eye out for news about what's on as there are events already booked in such as a showing of the film Kinky Boots, directed by Julian Jarrold about, strangely enough, a shoe factory - brilliant film. Architekton are also working with some creative/community groups including Norwich Hackspace who will be moving in to one of the disused buildings in August if all goes to plan. Eventually the sites will be developed for mixed use - homes, shops, restaurants etc so it could be a real boost for the north side of the city - you can read more about it here but it is definitely a space to watch. Here's a link to an article. http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/property/revealed_100m_vision_for_former_norwich_shoe_factory_1_4599324 East Meets West: International Obsidian and Flint Conference in Thetford 14-16 July 2016 This July join Ancient House for a fascinating three day conference bringing together specialists in the archaeology and use of obsidian and flint. Marking the occasion of the first ever formal twinning of archaeological sites; Grimes Graves and the Hoshikuso Obsidian Mines, East Meets West will explore commonalities and differences in approach between The Brecks and Japan, and consider how a comparative approach can enhance our understanding of the development of lithic technologies in both regions. In summer 2016, this relationship will be confirmed through the formal twinning of Grimes Graves and the Hoshikuso Obsidian Mines. This conference will form part of a series of events in Thetford and the surrounding area marking this occasion. Each day of East Meets West has been designed to appeal to a different audience, with activities ranging from lectures to live flint knapping and crafts! On Thursday 14th July local school children will have the chance to experience university–level lectures and workshops. This will include exploring flint architecture in the town, a guided tour of our Flint Rocks! exhibition, a flint knapping workshop and a study of Jomon (Japanese Neolithic) cooking. All for free! The East Meets West international conference on Friday 15th July will see guest speakers from around the world share knowledge on the studies of obsidian and flint. Guest speakers will include Dr Simon KANER (Sainsbury Insitute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures and University of East Anglia, Norwich), Peter TOPPING (Historic England), Professor SATO Hiroyuki (University of Tokyo, Japan), Professor ONO Akira (Former Director of the Center for Obsidian and Lithic Studies, Meiji University, Japan), Professor YAJIMA Kunio (Meiji University, Japan) and Dr Nick ASHTON (The British Museum). The conference will be taking place at the Carnegie Room in Thetford and booking is essential. When speaking about the conference Oliver Bone, Ancient House Curator said: “We are excited to invite such prestigious guest speakers from around the world to join us here in Thetford for what promises to be a fascinating event!” The final day of East Meets West is the free Family Flint and Obsidian Fun day from 10am to 4pm at Ancient House, Kings House Gardens and Thetford Priory. This is your chance to get hands on with flint, meet a Napoleonic soldier wielding a flint lock musket, try your hand at obsidian knapping and even taste some Jomon stew! Plus the chance to get creative with clay, play a range of Tudor games and even win a prize or two! The conference is organised by Ancient House Museum of Thetford Life, the Brecks-Nagawa Exchange Committee, and the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures, in conjunction with: Thetford Town Council, the Centre for Japanese Studies, University of East Anglia, Norwich; English Heritage; Meiji University Center for Obsidian and Lithic Studies; Nagawa-macgi Obsidian Museum; University of Tokyo, Faculty of Humanities. To book your students onto the Schools Day 14th July please contact melisa.hawker@norfolk.gov.uk To book onto our Conference on 15th July visit Leaping Hare – Thetford’s Great Information Centrehttp://leapinghare.org/ For more information please visit our website: http://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/Visit_Us/Ancient_House/East_Meets_West/index.htm or contact us on: 01842 751974. Don't forget our regular What Next? meetings, normally at Norwich Playhouse on Wednesdays at 1pm-2pm. It's an opportunity to get together with other people interested in the arts in Norfolk and to talk about issues facing people working in the arts as well as a chance to tell otherpeople what you are doing. There is normally a speaker but it is an informal meetup. You can sign up for updates at www.whatnextnorfolk.org.uk Affinity and Kindred
Lives Shaped by Sea and Faith Photographs by Richard Denyer made in Norfolk and the Outer Hebrides. Sad to report that shortly after installing this exhibition at The Hostry at Norwich Cathedral in December 2015 Richard passed away suddenly at the age of 65. This is a tragic loss of a talented man. Please read the Guardian obituary here. 17th Century Traders’ Tokens: How Norwich Men and Women Made Their Own Money is the title of the brand new exhibition at the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell, which opens on March 22nd 2016.
The exhibition, which runs from Tuesday 22nd March until Saturday 2nd July, tells the stories of men and women in Norwich who issued tokens during the currency crisis following the English Civil War. These small discs of metal may only have been worth a farthing – a quarter of a penny – but they can be beautiful, tiny works of art. Seventeenth century Britain, like many other societies throughout history, often suffered from an acute shortage of small change. Today, in an era of plentiful banknotes and coinage, not to mention debit and credit cards and online payments, this problem may be difficult to understand. But to people trying to carry out transactions when there was simply not enough low-value currency to go around it was a very real issue. By the time that Charles I was executed in 1649, England found itself in a currency crisis. The solution? Local traders had their own money or, more correctly, token money, produced. Among the stories of Norwich people told through the trade tokens is that of Augustine Briggs, a wealthy grocer who went on to become Sheriff, then Mayor of Norwich. His fine memorial is still to be seen in the church of St. Peter Mancroft. This exciting new exhibition is curated by Numismatist, Adrian Marsden, who said: ‘These little tokens were produced in the Norwich of three centuries ago and so it’s appropriate that this exhibition should be hosted at the Museum of Norwich. I’m pleased to be able to bring them to the attention of today’s Norwich citizens and hope that they will offer something for everyone.’ The exhibition programme comprises a number of family-friendly activities including a design your own token competition over the school holidays as well as talks from the curator, all free with usual museum admission. Exhibition Programme details:
For more information contact: Jenny Caynes , Curator of Community History 01603 614018 jenny.caynes@norfolk.gov.uk Adrian Marsden, Numismatist 01603 493647 Adrian.marsden@norfolk.gov.uk Notes to Editors: Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell is part of Norfolk Museums Service, a multi award winning service comprising ten museums and a study centre. It is one of only 21 Major Partner Museums in the country receiving substantial revenue investment from Arts Council England. The service was set up in 1974 and is a partnership of city, county and district councils in Norfolk working together, through the Joint Museums Committee, to manage museums and heritage services across the county. It is funded through council tax, earned income and grants. For more information call 01603 629127 or visit www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/ Tonight 26 February and tomorrow 27 February at SCVA : Writing with images, writing with objects26/2/2016 WRITING WITH IMAGES, WRITING WITH OBJECTS
STUDY EVENING AND WORKSHOP Study Evening - Friday 26 February, 4.30-7.30pm Price: £14/£12* Workshop - Saturday 27 February, 11am-4pm Combined study evening and workshop price: £20/£25* *Free places available for students In response to the strength of UEA as a centre of creative writing and literary practice, and in recognition of the work of the writer W.G. Sebald, the Sainsbury Centre presents a two day programme of talks and writing engaging with the themes of writing with images and from objects. STUDY EVENING The study evening sees four experts exploring how text and writing across different forms can respond to objects, photographs and moving imagery in varied and inventive ways.
WORKSHOP Following the study evening join us for a special writing workshop led by poet and UEA creative writing lecturer Andrea Holland, whose work draws richly from the visual. Lots of Christmas activity now that we are properly into December, including concerts, exhibitions, maker markets and specially produced gifts and cards, art and more. I am working on a special edition of Art in Norwich to help to promote Norwich alongside the forthcoming British Art Show8. There is so much going on in the visual arts in Norwich that it would be a crime not to showcase it. I am also planning an 'out of town' section to encourage visitors to stay and make a week of their visit to Norfolk so stand by for news of how that is going to happen. I am also talking to lots of people about arts and health and wellbeing, which is an interesting area to explore. There has been a record number of submissions to Cley 16 with 196 artists applying to the show In Norfolk Now curated this year by architect and artist Hugh Pilkington. It will be exciting to see who gets chosen to develop some work for the show that runs throughout July 2016.
But onto the most pressing lineup of events starting with tonight! As ever, there is more listed on www.artinnorwich.org.uk and www.musicinnorwich.org.uk but here's some to keep you going! There are several concerts this weekend: at St Peter Mancroft at 1pm tomorrow Saturday 5th, Norwich Phil at St Andrew's Hall ay 7.30pm and then on Sunday Eaton Concert Series at 3pm at St Andrews' Church, Eaton full detail at www.musicinnorwich.org.uk Tonight 4 December Sistema in Norwich Christmas Concert at Octagon Chapel starts at 6.30pm. There is limited capacity but still some spaces, and its free. You will also be able to buy Sistema in Norwich Christmas cards - a bargain at £3 for 5, £5 for 10 and a mere £12 for 30 so consider sending REAL cards this year and support Sistema. If you are not coming to the concert then you can also buy online at www.sistemanorwich.org.uk At Anteros in Magdalen Street, a new exhibition launches with John Midgely tonight at 6pm John is a prolific abstract landscape painter of some repute in Norfolk and the exhibition runs to 12 December. Saturday 5 December 7.30pm Norwich Puppet Theatre 35th Birthday celebration and Rumpelstiltskin Gala night for their new Christmas show. Book tickets for an evening show of Rumpelstiltskin on Saturday and make sure you book to bring your young friends too. This is an old favourite story but a brand new show made for modern audiences of all ages. Puppets are a great introduction to live theatre for young children and fascinating and magical for all ages. Book at www.puppettheatre.co.uk - and by your self some mug gifts while you are there (see below) Cherryleaf coffee house Saturday 5 December "You are all warmly invited to the private view of the Holly & Alice Christmas exhibition opening Saturday night at 6-8pm in the Cherryleaf Cafe (50 St Giles St). There will be a mince pie and festive cheer waiting with some lovely artwork and Christmas cards available to purchase. We look forward to seeing you there! Holly & Alice https://www.facebook.com/events/581351935347529/581354275347295/ Sunday 6 December, 1.30-4pm Makers Meet-up at Norwich Castle Join crafters, makers and Do-It-Yourselfers for a special event at Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery Part of the Build Your Own: Tools for Sharing Exhibition programme A FACT and Crafts Council partnership exhibition in association with Norfolk Museums Service Calling all tinkerers, hobbyists and enthusiasts! Come and meet local makers, crafters, DIYers and hackers for this family friendly afternoon about the joys of doing it yourself. From cookery to coding, find out what people are working on, get help with a problem and pick up ideas and inspiration for your own creative projects. Norwich Hackspace will be there printing snowflake Christmas decorations which you will be able to buy. Groups on hand to offer advice and inspiration include community creators, Norwich Hackspace, master gardeners, craft brewers and amateur radio enthusiasts. The exhibition is for anyone who likes to tinker, problem solve, DIY or just make stuff, and is a mixture of high-tech (3D printing) and low-tech (home-made fire surrounds). We would like to encourage visitors to think about what they could do themselves at home, and give them some ideas. The event is part of the programme inspired by the current exhibition at Norwich Castle, Build Your Own: Tools for Sharing, which takes a fascinating look at today’s making revolution, celebrating the act of making and sharing skills. So whatever your passion, make sure you come along to the Castle on Sunday 6 December to share your ideas and kickstart new ones. Friday 11 December to Monday 11 January 2016 at the Norwich Cathedral Hostry Richard Denyer: Affinity and Kindred Photography exhibition and book investigating links between Norfolk and the Outer Hebrides. 70 diptychs described as 'A collection of photographs made in two differently marginal places, shaped by sea and faith’. This includes the launch of the companion book containing over 100 photographs. The collection includes an imaginative essay by novelist and broadcaster Will Self, commissioned by Writers’ Centre Norwich with Richard Denyer. Colour-in Norwich Colour-in Norwich is a new adult/family colouring in book featuring drawings of Norwich Lanes buildings in the City Centre, made by local illustrator Beverley Gene Coraldean. You will have seen her work on several of the GoGo Dragons around Norwich and she has a distinctive style which is very intricate and usually black and white - see more of her work here http://www.genealityart.com/. You can buy the Norwich Colour-in Book at many Norwich Lanes venues and shops (the Birdcage for sure) and its just a fiver. Norwich Puppet Theatre mugs While we are in the subject of gifts, Norwich Puppet Theatre has a great range of mugs which feature some of the most beautiful of the celebrity puppets that were auctioned a week or so ago. Some of the most popular were turned into mugs (John Hegley, Michael Rosen, Matt Reeve, Suzie Hanna, George Szirtes and Clarissa Upchurch). Many of the first run sold on the night so a new batch are on order with Ben and Tom Youngs, Dame Cleo Lane as well as reorders of some of the others - but they are currently on sale at NPT so you can buy some when you go and get your Rumpelstiltskin tickets. Also for families is the Great Rumpelstiltskin Letter Hunt - a trail you can follow to find letters with a prize draw at the end of it. We all love a good treasure hunt For more gifts, Clutter City is on Saturday 12th December at Norwich Arts Centre where you will be able to buy local cultural produce, and our friends Print to the People also have an online shop where you can buy original prints and their popular annual Get Stuffed event is relocated at the new Freight Gallery in Magdalen Street (next to Oxfam) on Thursday 10 December Christmas trees at Redwell Brewery And for your Christmas tree, there is a plentiful supply on sale at Redwell brewery just behind my house in Trowse Millgate. Jack is selling the finest quality trees so pop down right next to the railway bridge to pick a proper tree! He's there everyday for the next two weeks or so but don't leave it too late! Carol singing and other concerts There are concerts this weekend at St Peter Mancroft 1pm, Norwich Phil at St Andrew's Hall 7.30pm and Eaton Concert Series 3pm St Andrew's Church Eaton Full details here at www.musicinnorwich.org.uk At St John the Baptist Catholic Cathedral Concert by The King’s Men Friday 18 December 7.30pm A superb evening of carols and music with the world famous Choral Scholars of King’s College Cambridge. The King’s Men is the close harmony group formed from the Choral Scholars of the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge. As Choral Scholars they follow the daily routine of Chapel services throughout term, as well as undertaking a busy concert and recording schedule in the vacations. The Cathedral of St John the Baptist is honoured to host this magnificent concert that is sure to have you singing along! Monday December 21st 4pm at the Green Grocers There will be carol singing from 4pm to 6pm outside the Green Grocers at Earlham shopping centre, collecting for 'Strong Roots' [a local gardening therapy project]. Please join us, bring your own torches and carol words if you have them. We will have a list but may not have enough sheets. Mulled wine for singers afterwards. RSVP to give us an idea of numbers ps UEA carol singing at St Johns on Wednesday 9th at 7.30 Skippings Gallery in Great Yarmouth I thought you might be interested in the current and future status of the gallery on King Street, Great Yarmouth, previously known as 133 Gallery. From Bridget Heriz and Katarynza Coleman We are a group of local artists who, with the support of the Preservation Trust, have formed a panel of volunteers to help get the gallery re-launched. We have re-named the gallery as ‘Skippings Gallery’, referencing the building’s previous incarnation as Skippings Store, and the sympathetic conservation of the original shop front. There is an Open Day at the gallery on Saturday December 5th, 12pm to 4 pm where those interested in the success of this elegant and important addition to the cultural landscape of Great Yarmouth can come along to find out more. We are also looking for volunteers to invigilate during exhibitions and will be giving out information on this on the day. We hope you will be interested in supporting this venture. If you can’t make it this Saturday, but would be interested in getting involved, then please email skippingsgallery@gmail.com We are organising an exhibition programme for 2016 comprising solo and group shows. These kick off in January 2016 with an exhibition of the work of ‘Chedgey’, a very interesting, eclectic and witty artist whose work encompasses painting, sculpture and collage. www.davidchedgey.com and more can be found about him here:www.davidchedgey.com/biography.html Other confirmed exhibitions for 2016 include the artists Michael Horn, Mary Webb and Audrey Pilkington. In the meantime, we have hung the gallery with a range pictures including paintings by Derek Greaves, Susan Gunn, Frank Pond, Martin Battye and Rachel Thomas, many of which are for sale. “I love to hear how each artist develops their ideas and concepts and relish the opportunity to purchase not only beautiful creations, but something with meaning. It is the highlight of my summer!” visitor comment, June 2015
Be part of Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios 2016 Calling all Norfolk artists! Applications are now open to take part in one of the most successful Open Studios schemes in the country. Hundreds of artists across the region take part in Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios each year, inviting the public into their private studios to reveal where and how they work. The event attracts thousands of visitors and this year an estimated 26,000 people visited studios across the county. Artists have the opportunity to promote their work and meet their audience, and visitors see artwork as it happens, away from traditional gallery spaces. This year 458 artists participated across 248 venues, and artists came together to create 17 Art Trails in various areas across Norfolk, allowing the visitor to enjoy a number of studios all in one day. Art demonstrations, private views, workshops and talks also make up this well-loved event. For many of the artists who take part it’s not just about making artwork sales. Artists comment that it helps them to feel part of their local artist community and the scheme helps raise the profile of Norfolk artists. West Norfolk artist Karen Wadham, a painter who opened her studio in Great Massingham as part of the scheme this year, said that as well as selling paintings and prints, she “gained valuable feedback from visitors and hopefully more people will be aware of my style and output as a painter”. Norwich based company Wex Photographic will be supporting the scheme again in 2016. Their Events Manager Emma van Deventer said, “We are delighted to be sponsoring Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios once more this year, reflecting our long-term commitment to supporting local arts programmes. The ethos of Open Studios is very much in line with our own values as a photographic company and we look forward to helping celebrate and promote artistic talent in Norfolk.” Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios 2016 will take place between 28 May and 12 June 2016. Artists wanting to take part can apply online at nnopenstudios.org.uk. The cost for inclusion in the scheme is £100 for individual artists and £280 for groups of artists and includes a listing in the Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios brochure with a print run of 35,000. Artists will also receive a listing on the Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios website, posters and postcards to publicise their involvement and the opportunity to take part in the high profile Central Taster Exhibition at The Forum in Norwich in April 2016, one of the largest annual art exhibitions held at The Forum. The deadline for 2016 applications is Friday 4 December 2015. For more information please visit www.nnopenstudios.org.uk, email nnopenstudios@nnfestival.org.uk or call Ros Dixon on 01603 877762. Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios is a 16-day county-wide celebration of the arts and a key event in Norfolk’s visual arts calendar. Artists across the region take part each year, inviting the public into their private studios to reveal where and how they work. The event attracts thousands of visitors and in 2015 an estimated 26,000 people visited studios across the county. Art lovers and curious first timers alike tour the county enjoying this special opportunity to find out more about where and how artists work as well as buy artwork directly from the artist. Artists have the opportunity to promote their work and meet their audience, and visitors see artwork as it happens, away from traditional gallery spaces. Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios is delivered by Norfolk & Norwich Festival as an organisation, in partnership with and for the benefit of Norfolk artists. Principal Funders Arts Council England, Norfolk & Norwich Festival, Norwich City Council Charlotte Crawley officially retires from East Anglian Art Fund.
On Monday 19 October, Charlotte Crawley officially retired as director of EAAF and handed over the reins to Amanda Geitner, former curator at Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts. At a specially arranged tea party with amazing sponge cakes and tea, coffee and wine, a large number of friends and colleagues gathered, testament to Charlotte's popularity. Speeches ensued and Steve Miller pointed out that Charlotte would be a very difficult act to follow. Nichola Johnson, revealed some little known facts about Charlotte's past and some revelations about her ambitions for the future. Chair of EAAF Richard Jewson thanked Charlotte for her inspirational leadership and the safe hands in which EAAF has been managed over the last years. Charlotte herself spoke about how she would miss the team at the Castle, especially Angela Dunn who has been vital to the smooth running of EAAF, and her husband Henry, without whom she said, she could not have done it. Also present was her daughter Venetia and grand-daughter Rosa with whom she intends to spend more time. But even so, no-one is under the illusion that Charlotte will not be back at the Castle with selected projects and pearls of wisdom. And she and Amanda already have a great working relationship, so i am sure that the retirement will see Charlotte working with the team from time to time. |
Author Marion CatlinFollow Art in Norwich for news about visual art activities in and around Norwich Archives
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