Momentary Arts Project… the idea (words by Liz Byrne)
Imagine if you will a brand new 5000 square foot empty unit in Marine Point, New Brighton surrounded by an increasing number of new restaurants and cafés, a brand new cinema, a casino and a stones throw away from a recently upgraded regional theatre, traditional seaside amusements, funfair and eateries all situated on the end of the Wirral where the Mersey meets the Irish Sea, and the golden sands meet the biggest tides in the country. Imagine… how would you use it?
Imagine if you will a brand new 5000 square foot empty unit in Marine Point, New Brighton surrounded by an increasing number of new restaurants and cafés, a brand new cinema, a casino and a stones throw away from a recently upgraded regional theatre, traditional seaside amusements, funfair and eateries all situated on the end of the Wirral where the Mersey meets the Irish Sea, and the golden sands meet the biggest tides in the country. Imagine… how would you use it?
Local resident Carl Lecky had the idea to use the
space for art, art of the locality and art by locals. A mad idea some might say, but an idea all the same and an
idea that was greeted positively both by the developers of Marine Point
‘Neptune’ and by local community group ‘New Brighton Waves’. With agreement from Neptune that the
space could be used until the unit was leased to a new business, work began on
moving the idea to a reality and local artists and community members from
across the Wirral began to catch onto the idea and already a network of
interested and supportive people is developing.
So, the spark of an idea has become the Marine
Point Momentary Arts Project (MAP), a project to turn the 5000 square foot
empty unit into a changing, interactive and temporary or moveble arts
exhibition, and when that space is no longer available, our plan it to move
lock, stock and barrel into another empty unit within New Brighton and in our
moments of ‘blue sky thinking’ a sustainable, financially viable exhibition/gallery
will become a permanent part of the New Brighton land and seascape!
The space that MAP occupies will basically be
divided into 5 areas: 3 exhibition spaces for contemporary art, traditional
art, and an installation space for a particular artist or group (ie schools,
art groups, colleges); a workshop space and a space for local charities. Within
the ‘workshop space’ MAP will offer a series of arts and crafts workshops,
demonstrations and talks enabling members of the public to try their hand at or
discover something new and creative.
Bearing in mind the space available to us, and in a hope to develop MAP
beyond the stationary visual arts the programme of events may in time include
music and the word, dance and drama, and fashion shows of various types. The selling of art will be positively
encouraged both to support local artists and in recognition of the benefits of
having personal, unique and handmade artwork in the home.
In order to enhance the relationship with the local
community the ‘charity space’ will offer the opportunity for a rota of local
charities and community organisations to educate and inform those who visit as
well as collect donations and sell appropriate goods to aid their funds.
As it is the intention for MAP to break even, a bank
of committed volunteers ‘Friends of MAP’ will be developed to ensure the smooth
running of the project. Already
people are indicating a willingness to help and our plan is to ensure that
those who volunteer have the opportunity to receive as well as give. Volunteers will be treated to talks and
information packs about the art on display, broadening their own knowledge and
giving them information to share with visitors, and will receive basic first
aid training and any other training that fits with the developed policies of
MAP. To broaden the network of
available volunteers travel expenses will be covered.
These are our thoughts…. What are yours?
Add them to the comments here or here on Facebook
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