What is Now?
An artist development programme that provided opportunities for
early-career artists and creative producers in Stoke-on-Trent.
What is Now? was a talent development project for emerging artists and creative producers. Created by the Artcity programme, Artists and curator/producers worked together to reimagine the High Street in Burslem, Stoke on Trent – one of the country’s emptiest high streets. Throughout August 2018 empty shops hosted artists in residence who created a series of pop-up studio events and workshops leading to a finale exhibition trail.
Jack Stancliffe. Photographer: unknown
Joanna Dawidowska. Photographer: unknown
“Be bold, be courageous this is an opportunity to create exciting, fresh work”
New opportunities were created for artists and curator/producers: Himarni Brownsword, Sophie Molineaux, Aimee Carter, Jack Stancliffe, Sonia Mirza, Joanna Dawidowska, Kidda Kinsey, Martin Gooding, Rebecca Kremer, Holly Norcup, Selina Oakes, Leone Davis and Melodie Forrester – reflecting talent development as a major focus of the project.
ARTS TRAIL
The project culminated in a 2 day arts trail in Burslem, September 2018:
Selina Oakes' - 'Kon'serv' an alternative self-guided tour of Burslem's conservation area (a QR code tour)
Street galleries featuring work by Kidda Kinsey, Nicola Winstanley, Leone Davis, Natalie Willatt, MARTiN Gooding Artist, Clinton Ball and Aimee Carter.
'Another Man's Treasure' by artist Sophie Molineaux & curator/producer Rex - Artist.
'Ghosts of Her Rag Sons' by Hirmani Brownsword and a performance of 'Shambles' by curator/producer Martin Gooding.
'Burslem Butterflies' by artist Joanna Dawidowska Ceramics and curated by Leone Davis.
'Hybrid' at Abode by Sonia Mirza and curator/producer Melodie Forrester.
Jack Stancliffe performance/intervention 'Too tough to change?' curated by Selina Oakes.
'Beneath The Bear' film by artist Aimee Carter and curator/producer Holly Norcop
“Thank you again to fantastic What is Now? team! Well done everyone! I loved every minute of this experience and thank you for the opportunity of having my first solo exhibition… it means so much to me”