Recent article as seen in Varsity: 16-01-09 www.varsity.co.uk
Press Release – 03.08.08
The Shop – not just another retail experience….an entirely independent arts space
OUR HOPE… is to bring together Cambridge’s creative community by providing a space dedicated to visual and performing art and design. We aim to get ‘The Shop’ (18 Jesus Lane) up and running for its grand re-opening on 17th October.
Originally opened last year by Cambridge Student Paloma Gormley, the aim of ‘The Shop’ is to provide a forum where members of the local community can meet, share ideas, support artwork in progress and make new contacts in an informal and inclusive environment.
‘The Shop’ will be open to all ages, genders, students, locals, professional and non-professional makers, those with a lot or a little experience. In addition, we are currently developing community links in order to engage young people, so that they can contribute to the projects at the shop and participate in workshops aimed at young people.
The organising team, (Paloma Gormley, Georgia Artus, Lorna Collis, Miram Austin and Nikki Goldup) recognise that there are few opportunities to work inexpensively and creatively in Cambridge. They aim to provide a solution to this issue.
The Shop will reopen its doors to the public on 17th October for a night of art and music. London Artists James Balmforth, Christopher Green, Bobby Dowler and Oliver Griffin, all represented by the Hannah Barry Gallery will be showing a part collaborative exhibition of their new work entitled ‘The Elimination of Distance’. Entry to ‘The Shop’ opening night is free. The event kicks off at 8pm and will continue until 10.30pm.
Later this year www.camba.org.uk will be hosting a show of local artists work, and in the new year ‘The Shop’ will be transformed as American knitting graffiti artist Magda Sayeg (www.knittaplease) comes to exhibit in the UK for the first time.
'The Shop’ is not just about exhibiting artwork. During the week, an eclectic mix of events will take place, including Tango dancing, talks, art workshops, singing and drama sessions and film nights. Some events will be free and others will have a small charge at the door. On Thursday nights local fashionistas and those with a penchant for costume and textile design will be able to attend ‘The Stitch Up’, which will feature a social mix of making, talking and creating, with help and advice from ‘The Stitch Up Girls’.
The Shop operates around a strong ‘Reuse and recycle’ ethos and will be having its first event focussing on this theme. MAKE – DO – and – MEND will be on 25th October. Based around a celebration of all things vintage and homemade this event will show case some subversive glamour. Guests are invited to bring unwanted clothing that they can swap for something new and more covetable. The ‘Stitch up’ girls will attend the event to help customise and decorate the clothing. In addition, fashion and accessories designed by local makers will be on sale. Profits form the event will go to the running costs of ‘The Shop’.
The Shop is in need of corporate support or donations of materials and labour in kind. Please contact: Nikki Goldup and Georgia Artus, at theshop.xviii.jesuslane@googlemail.com or call 07769896734.
ENDS
Other press releases and podcasts to download
RADIO INTERVIEWS
Listen to Georgia being interviewed on 'The breakfast show' on Cambridge's 209 Radio (105FM) on Thursday 5th January 2009 about the new season of 'The Stitch Up' workshops...
The Stitch Up InterviewComing soon: Varsity article ragarding 'The Shop', The Cambridge Student reviews of workshops and other press cuttings and podcasts.
Press cutting from Style Magazine - October 2008 issue
Flyer from our recent Winter Fair: December 2009