Launched on the 17th September, our optician-themed hub space opened largely as a blank canvas and forum for people to converse and feedback on events they’ve attended. The space now hosts two participatory exhibitions: ‘Building our City’ and ‘Our Big Moments’. The former asks what Preston needs going forward into the future and the latter gives the public an opportunity to detail an event they have enjoyed over the years.
In week three they are also launching a third space which invites local artists to showcase their varied talents in a ‘People’s Gallery’. There is also a giant video screen that will play a varied programme of films on Preston, the arts, and cities of the future.
The hub space will develop a deeper and longer lasting relationship with audiences and communities by ultimately forming a coproduction group with as wide a range of ages, backgrounds and experiences as possible. The group will help steer our arts programme this year and beyond, have input into artistic content and receive ongoing benefits including tickets to shows.
If you would like to get involved with Art Of The City or for further information please email artofthecity@derelictlive.org or visit our ‘pop up hub’ in St Georges Shopping Centre (previously Preston Optical Centre, at the top of the escalators from the Friargate entrance).