Following a successful takeover of tram shelters late last year, the HIVEArts team have once again brought unique art to Blackpool promenade.
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic there have been increasing amounts of open-air, gallery-style exhibitions popping up all over the globe, as curators attempt to make culture accessible in spite of social distancing restrictions. After making waves with their previous exhibition late last year, HIVEArts have installed a set of fresh new images by 22 female photographers from across the Fylde coast at tram stops between North and Central Pier.
In light of recent events, it is so fitting that the HIVEArts team have chosen to highlight female photographers this time around. Following the tragic death of Sarah Everard, and police officers’ use of questionable tactics on women attending a vigil held in Everard’s memory in London, ‘a new grassroots movement has emerged encouraging women to ‘Reclaim These Streets’. Discussions and projects that are emerging from the Reclaim these Streets groups pay long overdue attention to women’s experiences of public space. In response, the government has recently announced it will double its Safer Streets fund to £45m however, on a local level we can create creative ways of providing women with a sense of ownership when it comes to our towns and cities.
With their latest exhibition F/Stop HIVEArts have given 22 women timely opportunity to occupy the most prominent street in Blackpool. The images address a broad range of subjects. There are recognisable local landmarks, streets and markets from across the world, soft ethereal female forms and vibrantly coloured portraits. In one image, a mad hatter is seen using a mobile phone on the corner of a street – have they been plucked from their habitat or have we arrived in wonderland? Drawing on our coastal location a few of the images feature oceanic themes, some romanticised, others arresting. Seagulls swarm, lampshades smoke and there’s even a dark, shifting, humanoid shape lurking down by Central Pier.
The images in this exhibition were selected by Vanessa Ansa & Eileen Perrier, two members of the ‘Hundred+ Heroines’, a London based charity whose mission is to promote women in photography. On the selection, Eileen Perrier commented “It was with great pleasure that I was asked to select the work of local female photographers from Blackpool and hope that this important initiative will go from strength to strength.” Throughout the duration of the exhibition HIVE cafe will also be home to 5 pieces that were shortlisted by the judging panel.
The images will be in place along the Golden Mile and in HIVE café from April 1st to May 1st, 2021
Links
- Find out more about HIVEArts
- Blackpool ‘Reclaim these Streets’ group
- Get involved in the Blackpool Social Club mapping of female street harassment
Main photo credit: Dawn Mander
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