The HIVEArts collective has curated a new dance themed exhibition. Declaring his interest in having a piece in this show, David Simper bused it down to the Church Street gallery to catch some exciting art and enjoy a coffee with friends.
In the absence of an opening event for this fine exhibition, I combined a view with a social visit to the weekly HIVE Jive gathering in the Church Street gallery. A good cup of coffee was had; cake was resisted.
The exhibition features the HIVEArts collective’s typically eclectic mix of painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media and this time, costume, produced by the local arts community and always of a high standard (possibly apart from mine, but I do my best).
This showing ties in with the wider identification of Blackpool as the English the Capital of Dance.
I avoid favourites, but I did think the lion on cloth painting (photo above) was particularly striking, especially when the artist painted it with their feet.
I asked curator, Ian Currie, what the thinking behind the display was and how it contributed to the wider event.
“We put out an open call for artwork in response to meetings with people behind the Capital of Dance. So, Blackpool is well known for all things dance and there seems to be dance happening most weeks throughout the year.”
“There is a plan to make an annual celebration of all things dance. We’ve become part of that this year: quite low key I think, in it’s first year. So we’ve not had an opening as such for this exhibition, but we’re using our social media to show people the artwork’s there. There’s some amazing work on show.”
Thanks to Ian for his insights into this show’s origins. If this is what can be achieved at a low key event, let’s hope the aspiration to make the event annual is too.
This show is open for viewing until the 27th June and not to be missed.
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