BLACKPOOL ARTS SCENE SET TO DELIGHT LATE NIGHT SHOPPERS WITH A CREATIVE CHRISTMAS

The Blackpool arts scene is coming together with a host of creative exhibitions and gift ideas to delight late night shoppers on Thursday 10 December.

From 6-8pm Abingdon Studios (Abingdon St) will host TestBed, an exhibition as part of global festival ArtCOP which focuses on climate change. The exhibition has been organised by studio artist Ann Carragher and will showcase a variety of work, submitted through an open call, reflecting the ethos of the wider festival.

Blott Artist Studios (South King St) are opening their Christmas shop until 8pm with a range of high quality items created and designed by artists. The shop has a range of original drawings, limited edition prints plus a wide selection of vintage Blackpool designs on ceramic and china mugs, cotton tote bags, postcards and T-shirts. All proceeds from Blott’s Christmas shop will be going towards the studio’s next contemporary art exhibition.

Independent retailer Charabanc (Coronation St) will be throwing open their doors for a Christmas Shopping Party with free festive refreshments from 6-9pm and a plethora of handmade and locally produced gifts. With products from over twenty five designers and makers they have something to suit even the trickiest of people to buy for including jewellery, homewares, clothing and accessories.

The Grundy Art Gallery (Queen St) is holding a festive reception from 5-7.30pm giving people the chance to see its new exhibitions Ben Cain: Companions and Civic Photography. Companions sees contemporary artist Ben Cain undertake a new commission involving and responding to the Grundy Collection. Alongside this there will be paintings including the work of artists and craftspeople in the North West. Civic Photography is a group exhibition exploring notions of community-minded photography and features work by photographers living or working in Blackpool.  Those looking for a stocking filler can also browse the new selections in the Grundy shop.

Artists collective Arrested ReDevelopment will be opening their pop up art show entitled Herrods (St John’s Sq) from 6-9pm. Herrods will feature a range of work for sale from Blackpool based artists including Bertia Pottery, Dawn Mander Photography, Elizabeth Ward, The Old Rock Factory and The Tangerine Art Company. The pop up will be open right up until Christmas and is headed up by creatives Robin Ross and John Marc Allen.

Blackpool based artist Sam Simpson presents a new hip-hop inspired exhibition at Café Fresch (Victoria St) from 5.30-8pm. Sam collaborated with local dance troop FY Wingz to gain inspiration for the exhibition, which is an exciting fusion of art and dance. The exhibition opening will be complimented on the night by hip-hop music and grooves and there will be original artwork and prints available for purchase.

Duncan Hodgson, Marketing & Audience Development Manager at LeftCoast, said: “It’s great to see the arts scene coming together in this way to provide late night shoppers in Blackpool a creative contrast to the traditional high street offer. There is a wealth of artistic talent right on our doorstep here in Blackpool and these events demonstrate that beautifully.”

Cllr Vikki Singleton, Lead for Arts at Blackpool Council, said: “There are some great local artists in Blackpool and this is a great chance for people to see some of the fabulous work that they do, as well as picking up some Christmas presents at the same time.

“With our special £1 parking offer, we’re encouraging shoppers to visit the town centre and spend their money locally this Christmas, either at the different art exhibitions or with any of our other great town centre businesses.”

Those wanting to visit on the night can also take advantage of parking for just £1 after 5pm at the Hounds Hill Multi Story, West Street, Central, Talbot Multi Story and East Topping Street car parks.

For more information or to download the map visit www.leftcoast.org.uk, call 01253 477973 or email info@leftcoast.org.uk