LAUNCH OF THE ‘WHY DO WE CELEBRATE WOMEN’S ART?’ EXHIBITION

More than 50 works of art are now on display in Wisbech Gallery, as part of an exciting new exhibition ‘Why do we celebrate women’s art?’. The exhibition, which was formally opened on Saturday 13th April 2024 by Cllr Peter Human, the Mayor of Wisbech, has been curated by Fenland-based artist Lisa Banks and features works by 18 female artists from across the country.

Introducing the Exhibition, Cllr Elisabeth Sennitt Clough, one of the area’s leading poets and Chair of the Fenland District Council Culture, Arts and Heritage Executive Advisory Committee, spoke about women in art, highlighting that “We need to start giving more credit to the women who have stepped forward to round out the conversation, whether they're musicians, painters, fashion designers, writers, sculptors or photographers; these amazing women are always pushing the boundaries of their respective fields”

Exhibition Curator Lisa Banks commented ‘I think the exhibition of artwork shows us something visually about how women artists experience a legacy of inequality today. This legacy manifests itself in the Exhibition in many ways. Seeing all the work together, it is possible to see how connection, solidarity and empathy are presented in a visual form. From stories and protests to the marks we make in everyday life and inherit from previous generation. This is why it’s important to celebrate women’s art and to exhibit their artwork.’

Jenny Ward, from Blackfield Creatives, who manage the Wisbech Gallery in partnership with the Ferry Project, ‘We are delighted to host this new exhibition in the Gallery, especially as we celebrate World Art Day on 15th April. There is a growing creative sector in Fenland and Wisbech Gallery offers us a fantastic opportunity to share their work with the wider community’.

Wisbech Gallery, located within Octavia View, opened in July 2023 and is managed by Blackfield Creatives, a non-profit arts organisation. The Blackfield Creatives team have been working in partnership with the Ferry Project for several years to deliver a range of projects with their clients. When it became clear that there was a need for a calm, serene space which could be used by those clients living on site, the Gallery was the obvious solution, recognising the benefits that the Arts can bring to health and wellbeing.

Having the Wisbech Gallery within the building means that clients have unlimited access to the exhibitions and can spend quiet time in the space, outside of the normal opening hours. It also provides a space for clients to spend time talking with their support workers and Blackfield Creatives can deliver creative workshops with them too.

The Exhibition is open 10am – 5pm / Tuesday – Saturday, from Tues 16th April to Saturday 18th May and has been funded by Arts Council England and the Fenland Culture Fund.  Wisbech Gallery is located at 10A-14 South Brink, Wisbech PE13 1JQ. More information can be found at www.blackfieldcreatives.com/gallery