NORTH: New Festival To Explore The Breadth Of Talent Within The Region

NORTH

NORTH is a new initiative which aims to showcase and develop contemporary art in the North of England whilst provoking critical debate on the future artistic production in the region. Delivered in partnership with the Warrington Contemporary Art Festival; funders include the Arts Council England and the Warrington Council.

“We aim [to highlight] the strength this year of Warrington’s position between two northern art super powers, Manchester and Liverpool, and to tie in with the existing festival as a partner,” says William Lunn, the chief curator of North.

“Talks curator Anna Harnden and I grew up watching the increasing strength of galleries and institutions in the north, in spite of the cultural power of London, and this formed the root of our inspiration,” he added.

In a series of curated ‘pavilions’, exhibitions and events, NORTH will explore the breadth and strength of talent within the region. High-profile institutions will oversee the pavilion shows; Ikon gallery is responsible for the Birmingham Pavilion while Bureau gallery will organise the Manchester pavilion. The participating artists will be announced shortly.

The PAVILIONS FOR THE NORTH OF ENGLAND are curated by institutions and individuals who shape the arts in the North, including the Manchester Pavilion by Bureau, Middlesbrough Pavilion by Platform A, Newcastle Pavilion by Vane, and Birmingham Pavilion curated by IKON gallery.

The new event also includes two “focus exhibitions”. The Dream of Modern Living: Contemporary Artists Explore Ikea will feature 12 artists who have made works inspired by the Swedish furniture retail giant. The show, at Warrington Museum and Art Gallery, is organised by the writer Paul Carey-Kent.

NORTH, Warrington Contemporary Art Festival – 2 October to 31 October 2015

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