Between 12th and 18th April, Bath Abbey will bring the streets of Bath alive by hosting an exhibition that encourages us to look at, and think about, the very streets of Bath that we use every day.
Image courtesy of Isabel Rossiter
This multimedia exhibition, showcasing works by broad range of professional and amateur artists, explores the life and soul of something that we all take for granted on a daily basis and aims to spark a discussion about our infrastructure, the people who live on and off it, and how the streets impact our lives – quite often without us realising it.
The exhibition will feature works from over 30 artists and includes paintings, drawings, collage, installations, poetry, audio performances and much more.
These pieces will be brought to life with lunchtime recitals from performers, including local buskers from the Abbey area, as well as short talks and demonstrations from artists.
Highlights among the exhibits include:
- An audio montage of interviews with people who work on the streets, including a Police Community Support Officer, a Business Improvement District ranger and a Street Pastor.
- A group of children from a creative arts project who are producing a 3D work which looks at the streets of Bath from their perspective.
- Two installations created by the Abbey Missioner that intend to create a visual dialogue between ancient religious memorials and contemporary practice on our streets.
- Artwork from three projects working with people who live on the streets and in recovery.
- A poem, collaboratively created by a writing group, about the streets of Bath.
- In the sanctuary, a very large reproduction called ‘Here We All Are’ by David Cobley, founder of Bath Artists’ Studios and a prominent portrait painter whose works feature in the National Portrait Gallery.
The Revd Stephen Girling, Bath Abbey Missioner, said: “We put out a call to artists and others across the city, for art to help us celebrate and consider those who work and live on our streets. We’ve selected over 50 works by over 30 artists.
“I am delighted that so many people, amateur and professional, have come forward to offer up their creativity.
“I hope that the works will help those who live and work on our streets feel as much valued as everybody else and that visitors will engage in important conversations as we tease out what hospitality looks like in this modern, busy, complex city.”
