A free call out is giving Preston-based artists the opportunity to have their work displayed in large frames in the city centre.
The three two-metre tall triangular frames will be installed at Preston Markets in January.
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The frames were built for Lancashire Photography Festival, when they displayed the work of photographer Bobby Beasley at Preston Bus Station.
Similar frames displaying Preston Is My Paris have already been moved there, and the new project will be displayed alongside these.
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The call out, which comes after a successful crowdfunder by arts organisation Enjoy the Show, is now live and can be found on the Enjoy the Show website. Open to any artist who is Preston-based or has a strong Preston connection, the call out closes on Sunday 7 January.
Any art work is acceptable, including photography, digital art, paintings, patterns, graphic design or words.
The Fill the Frame crowdfunder included substantial pledges by Preston independent creatives Brewtime Collective, Blog Preston and Enjoy the Show, run by Garry Cook.
This is Cook’s second successful Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund project run by Lancashire County Council, following on from Art on the Streets of Preston which was displayed on the BHS hoardings in Fishergate.
Read more: Local artists delighted to see their artwork on display in Preston city centre
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This project aims to showcase the work of Preston artists and give people visiting the city of Preston some art to enjoy, at a time when there is no easily accessible, fully open, art gallery or museum in the city.
Eligible work must be:
- Created by Preston-based artists
Or created by artists who can demonstrate a strong link to the city or surrounding areas, such as Bamber Bridge, Leyland, Garstang, Longridge and Penwortham. - Portrait shaped art
Due to the shape of the triangular frames, only portrait-shaped work can be displayed. - Able to be printed to the dimensions of 122cm x 183cm
Art work can be a photograph, a photograph/scan of paintings, drawings etc. – but the digital file must be big enough to be printed at 122cm x 183cm
Submissions will be selected by the Brewtime Collective Core team. This group represents a range of artistic experience in Preston.
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Enjoy the Show’s Cook said: “I’m really looking forward to seeing some of the art work coming in for this call out. I’ve already had some submissions and they are amazing.
“I want to say a huge thank you to all the people who pledged to this project. Without these pledges by individual supporters – some of who pledged quite large amounts of money – this project would not be happening. As an independent arts producer working in Preston, I can’t stress enough how important this kind of support is.
“It can feel pretty bleak working in arts and culture in Preston – the city does not have a good reputation. But there are an increasing number of independent people putting on events and being creative – and every time something like this is successful it changes attitudes and perceptions of the city.
“Despite having no art centre or proper theatre venue for touring theatre, I’ve seen some amazing things happen in the city this year. Jazzin The Park on Winckley Square and the Windrush festival in Avenham Park were wow events which showed what this city can do.
“The plans that The Ferret owners have are amazing. It’s great to see The Birley and Shop doing so much for fine and contemporary art. I also love the ambition of the new Chew’s Yard venue and what they are trying to achieve.
“I was also delighted with the response to Lancashire Photography Festival, which brought so many people into Preston from all across the UK. It’s been a struggle to get support for this festival but this year BID Preston and Winckley Square CIC stepped forward and supported it financially – they made a huge difference.
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“The photography festival is already the UK’s biggest outdoor photography festival and I want it to be a catalyst for creative development across the city.”
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