As part of their season of collaboration and connectivity, Greenfield Arts were delighted to offer the opportunity of a visit to The Bowes Museum, near Barnard Castle.
Collaborative artist Richard Bliss has been working in partnership with Greenfield Arts over the past few years and is presently exhibiting as part of a residency programme and the Untitled 10 exhibition at Bowes Museum. A group of twenty-two people from the local community were able to meet up with Richard and enjoy a guided tour of the museum and the Untitled 10 Exhibition.
The exhibition is a wonderful selection created by ten local artists and craft makers who have responded to the collection and interpreted stories surrounding the history of the museum itself, how it was made and the many crafts people involved. Richard’s artwork is inspired by stories of workers who were essential to the creation of the museum but enjoy little historic celebration.
The group found the artwork thought provoking and inspired conversations surrounding art and the representations created as part of the exhibition. This was a first time visit to Bowes for many of the group and a chance to enjoy a lovely new experience. Philip Clark, from Horndale Residents Association, brought the group together and helped to organise the trip and its logistics. Feedback was very positive, one member of the group stated, “I didn’t think I would enjoy it but found it a great insight into art…it has given me the confidence to maybe visit these places by myself”.
Philip recognised the value of this cultural experience through his own connection with Greenfield Arts and supported local community members to access the opportunity. Philip worked with local councillors Paul Howell, John Clare and Scott Durham to support the visit.
Greenfield Arts is committed to bring creative opportunities to the wider community that promote and stimulate creativity, questioning and curiosity, encouraging us to explore ideas and express ourselves through experiencing, making or producing new work. A big thank you to Philip Clark, Horndale Residents Association, Richard Bliss and Bowes Museum for making this such a great experience.
