Curation Project
ArtWorks X Wentworth Woodhouse Arts Programme
In 2022 our artists have had the opportunity to curate a programme of four exhibitions at Wentworth Woodhouse. We wanted our artists to experience all of the 'behind-the-scenes' work which goes into putting on exhibitions, increasing their professional skills and employability in the art world.
Three of the four exhibitions involved work with external artists, and one was an opportunity for our artists to exhibit their own work. Our buildings were split into three curation teams- Malin Bridge, SOAR Works and Thorpe Hesley. Artists at each site had the opportunity to come up with a theme for one exhibition, select the artists they wanted to work with through an artist call out, liaise with the artists, produce promotional material, curate and install their exhibition.
Outside
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Exhibition Theme: Interactive Textures
This theme is based on transforming the Pillared Hall into an interactive space by using materials that trigger sensory stimulation. Contrary to the ‘no-touch’ rule in most exhibition spaces, this team is interested in allowing the public to explore artwork through the sense of touch.
This theme is inspired by the sensory stimulation techniques used in activities which support the development of disabled individuals and people with neurocognitive disorders. According to the sensory stimulation theory, stimulation of the senses is crucial for the effectiveness of learning.
Our artists are also particularly interested in creating an effective juxtaposition between the displayed artwork and the traditional space in which it will be exhibited.
Further information about the space
The exhibitions will take place in the Pillared Hall at the Wentworth Woodhouse which is a Grade I listed stately home first built in 1735, although greatly developed and changed since then. It attracts visitors through its rich history, 87 acres of beautiful gardens, including a deer park and lakes, and the longest façade of any country house in England. The visitors to Wentworth Woodhouse average at about 40,000 per year, and the Pillared Hall is in a great central position which is passed by all visitors to the house, its gardens and the cafe, and it is wheelchair accessible. This makes the space a fantastic opportunity for artists to promote their work.
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For more information about Wentworth Woodhouse: https://wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk/about-us/
The Pillared Hall exhibition space is far from a classic white cube. This will be an exciting opportunity for artists to see how their artwork interacts with a historically and visually rich environment, inspiring new threads of thought in their artistic practices. ArtWorks has previously used this space to exhibit the winning artwork from our international arts competition, ArtWorks Together. Shown in the image below, we used metal frames from which artwork was hung for display.
Budget towards the setup of the exhibition is limited, but we can provide resources such as the metal frames for hanging of work, barriers for cordoning access to sculptures, projectors and a rear projection screen, as well as a setup team and technical assistance.
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Key Dates
19th September
Installation of the exhibition (artists do not have to be available on this date, but will have to ensure their work is at ArtWorks prior to install day)
21st September - 16th October
The exhibition is open to the public
17th October
Take down of the exhibitions (artists can pick up their work from Wentworth Woodhouse or discuss the possibility of picking their work up from ArtWorks at a later date).
Eligibility
This call out is open to all artists based in the Yorkshire area who are over 18 years of age. Artists can be at any stage in their career and can apply as individuals, collaborations or groups.
The selected artists must be able to facilitate their own travel and transport of artwork to Wentworth Woodhouse in time for installation of the exhibitions.
The artwork which will be displayed can be new work, made specifically for this project, or it can be older artwork which will be newly contextualised inside the Pillared Hall. As Wentworth Woodhouse is a listed building, all artwork must be appropriate for superficial install, without making any long term changes to the building.
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All 3-dimensional work must stand up safely on its own, without the need for drilling into the ground.
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All 2-dimensional work will be displayed using means such as the metal frames shown in the photograph above, without drilling into the walls.
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Appropriate space will be left around the artwork, ensuring safe access for the public inside the building.
We are open to imaginative ideas for new ways of displaying artwork and creating captivating experiences for our audiences without compromising the safety of the public and of the building.
Artists are welcome to make an application for each theme of the call out, but we will select different artists for each of the exhibitions.
Application Process
To apply please submit the following:
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Written proposal of maximum 750 words introducing yourself, your practice and your artwork for the exhibition with photos (word count is a maximum, please write your application to whatever length you feel best represents your practice, shorter applications will not be discredited)
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Video, no longer than 5mins, introducing yourself and your practice, and showing the artwork which you are submitting for the exhibition
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Please send your applications to interactiveatww@gmail.com
In the email, please include your name, age and where you are based.
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The deadline for applications is 7pm on 15th August
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We look forward to receiving your applications!