An open call for artwork is underway in Erewash as a part of Arts Erewash’s rEvive project. rEvive began as an ‘Arts in Empty Shops’ project run by volunteers and is currently looking for local artists that would like to have their work displayed at the Erewash Museum.
The open exhibition marks the start of a new stage of development for the project. Julian Hanby, the Project Coordinator, is excited about the new opportunity: “This new phase of the rEvive project is only just beginning and we’re getting going straight away with an open call for artists that would like to show their work. The exhibition theme is SEASONAL: WINTER into SPRING and the display will shift and change with the seasons, starting now with winter – and over the coming weeks the exhibition will shift to reflect the coming spring.”
The exhibition is being supported by Erewash Borough Council. Arts Development Officer Frances Watt said, “We’re particularly excited that this call out for artists is completely open and that we are able to accept work from both amateur and professional artists. In some ways it’s quite daunting because we have no idea how much work we will have submitted – but our aim is to show every piece of work that fits our Seasonal theme.”
Another novel feature of the exhibition is that the work will be spread throughout the museum rather than using one of the dedicated gallery spaces. Frances continued, “We’re aiming to create a trail around the museum, and visitors may have to do some detective work to find everything. Art could be anywhere! We’ve already begun to install some artwork and we’re looking forward to finding a home for everything that is submitted.”
The innovative exhibition, which is funded by Arts Council England and Erewash Borough Council, marks the beginning of a busy period for Arts Erewash. Julian explained, “We’re also launching a call out for artists for our new Residency scheme. We’re looking for artists both from the local area and from further afield that will spend time in Ilkeston and create some exciting new work. These are exciting opportunities that will result in commissions from six artists that will be displayed in the town. The Museum will be a key focal point for the exhibition, but work could also be displayed in other venues too.”
The Erewash Museum is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am – 4pm. Information about both the Seasonal and Residency opportunities can be found on Arts Erewash’s website: www.artserewash.co.uk/revive/opportunities/
