Can artists be cutting edge in the countryside? Is sophistication only found in cities? Does Powys art have to be picturesque?
These are some of the questions which will be examined in Reclaiming the Rural, a day-long artists' seminar exploring issues surrounding contemporary art practice in rural areas, which takes place on Friday 5 December at Penpont, near Brecon.
The main speaker is Rosemary Shirley, an artist and writer based in Hampshire who is also Interface editor for a-n magazine. Other contributors are artist and curator Stephen West, Simon Whitehead who is an artist and founder member of Ointment artists' collective and Adrian Plant, Exhibitions Officer for Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery.
The day will include discussion, debate, artists' presentations and the opportunity to share ideas, knowledge and strategies.
Reclaiming the Rural is the brainchild of Penpont-based artists Morag Colquhoun and Tessa Waite. "As contemporary art practitioners in a rural area, we have put together a stimulating day that we would like to go to ourselves," Tessa explained. "Rosemary Shirley wrote an article for a-n magazine, which challenged the notion of rural art as picturesque and amateurish. She has researched projects throughout the country where rural art practice is "cutting edge and critically engaged", and we would like to explore this within the context of rural Wales".
Reclaiming the Rural is one of three, artist-led Harvesting the Arts events taking place in Powys this autumn, initiated by Powys Arts Forum and Powys County Council's Arts Development Service and supported by the Arts Council of Wales.
Lucy Bevan, Powys County Council's Arts Development Officer, said, "By staging this event, artists in Powys are demonstrating their active connection to wider contemporary cultural thinking and practice. Reclaiming the Rural will also strengthen local artists' networks which are so important to individuals working in somewhat isolated situations."
For more information, please contact Tessa Waite via email [email protected] or on 01874 611453.