YOUR Art in OUR Windows
By Gareth Stevens
Sometimes an idea so simple can be refreshingly elegant and complete. Such is the case with the current community-based exhibition hosted by the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea. Some of the social media-based or virtual exhibitions that galleries have struggled to host during lockdown seem a little overwrought at times. They can be rather pallid substitutes for the actual experience of visiting visual Arts shows in the flesh. This idea, however, has meant that the closed venue can use its long glazed facade to continue to exhibit work to a physical audience and to physically engage local people in the Arts.
PICTURE: Gareth Stevens
YOUR Art in OUR Windows is part of The Great Big Art Exhibition instigated by the Firstsite Gallery in Colchester, Essex. DLWP have joined in by inviting anyone to submit paper-based artworks on one of two themes – either ‘Flowers’ or ‘Draw the Future’. In turn, the DLWP aims to exhibit all contributions in the building’s outward facing windows for all to enjoy. This idea is a wonderful way of ensuring that the DLWP can continue with its commitment to community engagement and also that they can continue to physically exhibit work without contravening lockdown restrictions.
I spoke with Naomi Scully who is the venue’s Events Manager. She has led on this exhibition and tells me with great enthusiasm how the project has lifted some of the lockdown gloom for her. “It’s an exhibition that is more about the community than it is about the artwork itself” she explains “…. and the response has been overwhelming and wholly positive thus far.” Never in doubt about the level of creativity amongst people in the local area, Naomi goes on to say that YOUR Art in OUR Windows really shows that the venue is most definitely the ‘Peoples’ Palace’.
The venue is most definitely the ‘Peoples’ Palace
This community-led initiative is hardly out of character, in fact it works hand-in-hand with the way in which the DLWP has been donating packs of Art materials to food banks in Rother. The same packs have also been distributed to local schools who have forwarded them to students who would most benefit.
• To take part, post your picture in the Big Art Box on the Pavilion terrace (the side by the sea) Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm from 5th April until 3rd May.
• To find out more, go to their website: www.dlwp.com
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