Devon Artsculture is delighted to be working in conjunction with The Aurora Project and The Art Works Galleries on this large group exhibition, to showcase the talent of artists based in Devon and Northumbria, on the theme of ‘Contemporary Landscape and the environment’.

The partnership was born in early 2005 when Brian Reid of The Aurora Project contacted the newly formed Devon Artsculture Project – Project officer Sadie Green got in touch, finally visiting Newcastle in November 2006, to discuss an idea for a group exhibition based on the two rural environments and to find a venue to show artwork.

Sadie and Brian visited the lively and dynamic creative community in and around Newcastle and the Ouseburn Valley, and in particular, The Art Works Galleries.

July 2007 sees the outcome of exhibition planning and partnership working. There are similarities between Devon and Northumbria and some of these are highlighted in the theme of the artwork. Also these similarities can be viewed in the medium, arts practice or style of work.

Artists from Devon have been ‘twinned’ with artists from Northumbria to reflect this, creating a lively and engaging exhibition. We hope that the process of developing this exhibition and the outcome of the show itself will be apositive and unique experience for all concerned. The aim of the joint venture is for the participating artists, the two projects and the gallery to share their experiences, their local environments and help to develop business for the artists through the opportunity to showcase and sell work. It is also a time forboth networks to get to know each other and to encourage further partnership working between artistsand organizations.

Artists and staff from Devon Artsculture, The Aurora Project and The Art Works Galleries will be attending the two openings on each ‘First Thursday’ – July 5th and August 2nd. We look forward to welcoming you. It is hoped that a reciprocal show will run in Devon in 2008, subject to further funding being secured for Devon Artsculture.

Devon Artsculture is a dynamic 3-year economic regeneration project to provide business support to Creative Industries smallbusinesses. It is a partnership between BeafordArts, Dartington Plus and Devon County Council with further Objective 2 funding from ERDF European monies. Devon Artsculture provides a varied menu of support including training / advice and activities and events.

Theproject can be contacted at the Beaford Arts office on 01805 60338 or the Dartington office on 01803 847094. Please visit the website at www.devonartsculture.org.

(image courtesy of Roger Coulam - visit his Aurora site here)

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