New Street • West Bromwich • B70 7PG • T: 0121 533 7161 • www.thepublic.com
Showcasing international artists alongside young and emerging talent
FREE EXHIBITIONS - Step inside a work of art
OCTOBER - MAY
2012 -13
EXHIBITION guide
Welcome to The Public The core of our vision is to use the arts to raise aspirations and change lives – establishing The Public as “a creative place, inspiring art, changing lives” that will have a significant impact on regenerating West Bromwich. As West Bromwich is re-shaped around us, we have responded with two stunning seasons – ‘Light up Digital’ illuminating the dark winter months and ‘Black Country – Legends!’ celebrating some of the amazing characters that make up our region. Highlights include a week’s residency by video artists AntiVJ in preparation for their astonishing work, ‘Eyjafjallajökull’ and internationally known Turner prize nominated Richard Billingham’s photographs of his parents in ‘Ray’s a Laugh’.
Commissions We are pleased to announce that artist, Zoe Partington-Sollinger, has been commissioned to create a new permanent piece of artwork, in a project sponsored by DASH (Disability Arts Shropshire), that complements our ongoing work and adds to our core collection. We will be advertising several new commissions for digital and interactive artworks over the next year, so please look out for these on our website. Front cover picture credits: Top - ‘Eyjafjallajökull’ by AntiVJ. Bottom - Blooming Spark by Tsai and Yoshikawa.
HOW TO FIND US: With great transport links, The Public is easily accessible: • A couple of minutes walk from both West Bromwich Bus Station and West Bromwich Central Metro Station •
Five minutes from J1 M5
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Twenty minutes from Birmingham city centre Large pay and display parking a few minutes walk from the building Accessible parking for blue badge holders opposite the building
For Sat Nav our postcode it B70 7PL
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Free Wi-Fi Wheelchair access Assistance dogs welcome Accessible parking Accessible toilet Staffed reception Visual impairment Assistive hearing Refreshments UK Baby Friendly
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showcase
October 2012 - may 2013
As a part of our commitment to showing the best of emerging talent we are pleased to welcome back ...
Wolverhampton University MA Show University of Wolverhampton Postgraduate Degree Show Exhibition
Saturday 29 September to Sunday 28 October This exhibition is the culmination of the excellent work undertaken by Masters and PhD students from the University of Wolverhampton over the last two years. It shows the diversity of creative thinking, skills and professional practice they have achieved in that time.
Sculpture by Lisa Abraham MA Fine Art. Photo by Lucy Lyng
The work on show is from the MA Design and Applied Arts, MA Digital and Visual Communication and MA Fine Art. For further information on any of postgraduate courses please visit: www.wlv.ac.uk/artanddesign
Andreas Olymbios - MA Digital and Visual Communications
Dorga Arcan - MA Interior Design
OPENING TIMES: Mondays/Tuesdays: Box Office/Ground Floor open from 10am - 5pm. The cafe is open 9am - 4.30pm. (All other parts of the gallery closed) Wednesday to Saturday: All parts of the gallery open from 10am - 5pm. Last admission to the gallery at 4.30pm. The cafe is open 9am - 4.30pm.
During school holidays the whole building (including galleries, interactive art work and ramp) will be open Monday to Saturday, 10am - 5pm Sunday, 11am - 3pm. Over Christmas we will be closed, Sunday 23 December to Wednesday 26 December (inclusive).
Sundays: All parts of the building open from 11am - 3pm. Last admission to gallery at 2.30pm. The cafe will be open 10am - 3pm. visit www.thepublic.com or call 0121 533 7161 for further information
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open submission e-exhibitions We have a series of opportunities for local artists to make their mark. Entries should be submitted online.
SCREENING 2013 For our fourth annual open submission exhibition of short films, we’re calling for work that can delight and engage audiences of any age. Whether early career or professional, this is a great opportunity for artists and filmmakers to showcase their work for free in a prestigious arts environment. To download an entry form visit : www.thepublic.com/touch_interactive_screening
Deadline for submissions - Sunday 13 January 2013. Exhibition - Wednesday 13 February to Sunday 5 May 2013.
TOUCH INTERACTIVE 2013 An open submission exhibition of digital interactive artworks, now in its third year! We’re looking for work which is fun, intuitive and engaging for audiences of all ages. We welcome applications from the local West Midlands region, but also accept national and international submissions. All submitted artwork must be suitable for touch screen display. To download an entry form visit: www.thepublic.com/touch_interactive_screening
Deadline for submissions - Sunday 13 January 2013. Exhibition - Wednesday 13 February to Sunday 5 May 2013.
LIGHTS As part of our forthcoming Light Up Digital exhibition, we’re calling for photographers from across the region to help us brighten up the winter months by sending us their favourite ‘light’ themed images. Enter by uploading your images online at: www.thepublic.com/lights
Deadline for submissions - Friday 26 October 2012. Exhibition – Wednesday 7 November 2012 to Sunday 3 February 2013.
CHARACTERS Another open access exhibition, this time as part of our forthcoming Black Country – Legends! exhibition. We’re looking for photographers from across the region to send in images that celebrate our fantastic local characters. Make sure you have the permission of your subjects! Enter by uploading your images online at: www.thepublic.com/characters
Deadline for submissions - Sunday 13 January 2013. Exhibition – Wednesday 13 February 2013 to Sunday 6 May 2013. Image of Alfie by Ray Truby
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light up digital
October 2012 - may 2013
An amazing video mapping projection, ‘Eyjafjallajökull’, by Joanie Lemercier of AntiVJ
‘Eyjafjallajökull’, by Joanie Lemercier of AntiVJ Wednesday 7 November 2012 to Sunday 3 February 2013.
Our Autumn / Winter show features a series of visually stunning pieces all about light. Highlights include an amazing video mapping projection from Joanie Lemercier of AntiVJ ‘Eyjafjallajökull’ (the Icelandic volcano that wreaked havoc across Europe in 2010) made using sophisticated projection techniques that “play with the brain and mess with visual perception.” This is being previewed as part of a European Tour which includes Brussels, Berlin and Paris. Alongside this, AntiVJ will be running a residency programme for a range of artists, young people and graduates to develop new work to be shown in the lower gallery. Expect to be amazed and delighted! We will also be holding a range of Artist talks to complement the programme including a chance to meet Joanie Lemercier and ask all the geeky questions you want. See page 11 for details.
Light and Shade by KINO 10
Light Up Pedal Power
Wednesday 7 November 2012 to Sunday 3 February 2013.
Wednesday 7 November 2012 to Sunday 3 February 2013.
Films about Light selected by Kino 10 especially for The Public. These films are a beautiful selection of some fabulous animations from around the world.
Bring the gallery to life with pedal power! Light up thousands of twinkling lights using our unique hand operated dynamo.
visit www.thepublic.com or call 0121 533 7161 for further information
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black country - legends! Ray’s A Laugh by Richard Billingham Wednesday 13 February to Monday 6 May 2013 A major show about the Black Country and some of its characters. Turner Prize nominee Richard Billingham’s, ‘Ray’s a laugh’ consists of photographs Richard took of his father Ray and his mother Liz, in Cradley Heath. These are photographs with real integrity drawing out the troubled yet deeply human and touching personalities of his parents.
Black Country Legends! Wednesday 13 February to Monday 6 May 2013
The Mystery of AJW by Barney Snow Wednesday 13 February to Monday 6 May 2013 A short film and installation about AJW the mysterious artist who has secretly left over 250,000 drawings and sketches in pubs and shops in the Black Country over 50 years. Who is he, why does he do it? Also featuring contributions by people who know who he is but keep his secret! Including work by Blobologist Fred Barnfield.
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A new interactive game designed by apprentices from LearnPlay Foundation.
A Most Peculiar Place by Brendan Jackson Wednesday 13 February to Monday 6 May 2013 A huge map revealing the things that are odd, out of step, particular and just plain peculiar about the Black Country.
Photographs of the Black Country by Tipton Photography Society. Wednesday 13 February to Monday 6 May 2013
Picture by Michael Ashwood
October 2012 - may 2013
A Miracle in West Bromwich by Billy Dosanjh
A41 Project by Colin McPherson
Wednesday 13 February to Monday 6 May 2013
Wednesday 27 February to Monday 6 May 2013
A delightful and moving story of a ‘miracle’ that happened in the family of young local man and film maker, Billy Dosanjh.
A photographic exploration of the A41 road which passes through West Bromwich on its way from Merseyside to London. Artist Colin McPherson collaborated with The Equality Trust, an organisation looking at how we express the issues behind inequality in society and it’s consequences visually, for this project.
Will he take over his ill father’s small car repair business or will he become a film maker, and how will his parents’ difficult relationship improve?
The Light and Dark Fantastic – sculpture by Tsai and Yoshikawa Wednesday 13 February to Monday 6 May 2013 Artists Hsiao-chi Tsai from Korea and Kimiya Yoshikawa from Japan have produced these futuristic flower forms that are both unworldly and yet familiar at the same time.
Places and Faces We’re calling for people to share their memories and photographs of old cinemas and dance halls in the Black Country as part of a Heritage Lottery Funded Project. Places and Faces looks at the social and cultural history of cinemas and dance halls in the Black Country - and the people who remember them. The memories will be showcased as part of an exhibition at The Public next year. If you have a memories of cinemas and dance halls in the Black Country, email exhibitions@thepublic.com or call 0121 533 7161. The Beatles - One of the many bands who performed at the Adelphi Ballroom in West Bromwich.
visit www.thepublic.com or call 0121 533 7161 for further information
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glass corridor exhibitions
Artwork: Judith Rowley
Artwork: Christine Rider
Midlands Textile Forum Wednesday 7 November 2012 to Sunday 3 February 2013 Meet the artists Saturday 10 November, 1pm – 4pm Midlands Textile Forum proudly presents their exciting new showcase of textile art. This features original pieces ranging from felting to stitched textiles and mixed media work. Their inspiration is derived from all things special - celebrating cultural diversity, heritage, regeneration and much more!
Artwork: Christine Rider
Zulu Dawn Wednesday 13 February to Monday 6 May 2013 The birth of UK Hip Hop, featuring famous names in early West Midlands deejaying, break dancing, rapping and graffiti art including Goldie, Hanifa McQueen Hudson, Deejay IMD, Doctor Funk and Kash Da Master.
Photograph: Martin Jones B Boys in Heathtown, Wolverhampton 1985
Goldie and the B Boys at the Rap Attack event at Shaw Theatre, London, April 1985
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Zulu B Boys Forever
Ace Squad in West Bromwich
foyer exhibitions
October 2012 - may 2013
Out of Africa Saturday October 20th to Sunday November 25th The Out of Africa Campaign is a Heritage Lottery Funded Project involving young volunteers researching and celebrating the contribution of African players in British football since the 19th Century. The project includes a website, schools pack and a travelling exhibition. The exhibition is shown during Black History Month, and Kick It Out Anti-Racism Week of Action.
Image: Peter Odemwingie
“Design a Welcome Sign” Competition Exhibition Wednesday 7 November to Sunday 25 November During the Summer and Autumn term, local children have been busy making drawings for the ‘Design a welcome sign competition’. The competition is run by West Bromwich Central Library for a welcome sign to be displayed in the children’s area. We are displaying some of the best work.
Keeping the Art of Braiding Alive Exhibition – On the Road Friday 25 January to Friday 15 February 2013 Cherub Braids, specialises in promoting the art form of hair braiding. For this project they focused on developing young people’s practical braiding skills and understanding of the wonderful art form of hair braiding. The Keeping The Art of Braiding Alive project is a Heritage Lottery Funded Project involving young people from Leicester City, supported by the Black Mothers Support Group.
Arts On Wednesday 28 November to Sunday 6 January 2013 Work by the Arts On group who meet at The Public every Thursday afternoon.
visit www.thepublic.com or call 0121 533 7161 for further information
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digital art to tea dances The Guardian Guide described a recent show as “....bound to be popular as would any show that gets you jumping ..... may be that’s a good role for a contemporary art gallery to embrace.” And this philosophy of putting the visitor at the heart of the work underpins everything we do. The gallery contains some of the most amazing permanent, interactive digital artworks in the region and, over the next two years our existing works will be complemented by new commissions and great temporary exhibitions. You can enjoy some of our growing collection of permanent artworks such as the Martin Parr’s photographs for Black Country Stories or take part in the many other arts activities from Tea Dancing to Theatre. Just look at the web site for details – www.thepublic.com
Events Guide and Activities Guide:
Sign up to The Public Monthly E-newsletter.
Make sure you pick up a copy of our events and activities guides on your next visit.
Keep up to date with the latest events, workshops and exhibitions at The Public. Simply visit www.thepublic.com or call 0121 533 7161.
Stay connected: www.facebook.com/ thepublicwestbromwich www.twitter.com/_the_public
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October 2012 - may 2013
talks and walks Talks and walks
DATE
TIME
Monthly guided walks around the Gallery Led by members of the Exhibitions Team. An opportunity to learn more about the artists on show and their work.
18 October 2012 15 November 2012 20 December 2012 17 January 2013 21 February 2013 21 March 2013 18 April 2013
Meet in Reception at 11am 3rd Thursday in the month
17 January 2013 21 February 2013 21 March 2013 18 April 2013 16 May 2013
Meet in reception at 2pm 3rd Thursday of the month
Wednesday 7 November 2012
6.30pm
Saturday 10 November 2012
1pm – 4pm
Audio Tours From January we will be running audio described tours aimed at visually sighted and visually impaired people
Joanie Lemercier of AntiVJ Hear how an artist working at the cutting edge of technology collaborates in projects across the globe.
Midlands Textile Forum An opportunity to meet the artists
Hsiao-Chi Tsai and Kimiya Yoshikawa Talking about their fantastic hanging sculptures and about working and collaborating with each other and technologists to develop their work.
Wednesday 13 February 2013
6.30pm
Artist information – snapshot interviews Naren Wilks Will Nash Jony Easterby Joanie Lemercier of AntiVJ Hsiao-Chi Tsai and Kimiya Yoshikawa
30 November 2012 13 February 2013
Find a series of snapshot interviews on our website from November
visit www.thepublic.com or call 0121 533 7161 for further information
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FROM DIGITAL ART TO TEA DANCES! the amazing public
Left: Wonderfall, Content Pools by Lia and Miguel Carvalhais, Black Country Stories, Martin Parr. Middle: Animo by Utani, Collide-o-scope by Naren Wilks, and WithDrawl by Josh Nimoy, Right: Bandwidth by Josh Nimoy, Fortnightly Tea Dances , Children’s Theatre and Telepresent by Paul Sermon DETAILS CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRINT