Barnaby Festival visual arts call

Barnaby Festival has launched a call for visual arts exhibitions on the theme ‘Space’ for next year’s festival which runs from Friday 17 – Sunday 26 June.

Organisers are looking for projects that explore the ‘Space’ theme as broadly as possible – from cosmology and the universe to space to breath, virtual space, secret spaces, geographical space and everything in between.

In a departure from previous years, artists in Macclesfield and beyond are invited to present proposals for ‘interventions, installations, socially engaged projects, workshops and open studios’ in Macclesfield town centre, as well as exhibitions.

Karl Wallace, Barnaby Festival Director is leading the programming of 2016: “We really want artists to stretch their thinking in relation to the theme and come up with ideas that are intriguing, challenging and engaging. Is there a space in Macclesfield that you have always wanted to create work for? Is there a space that you would like to introduce to the public so they see Macclesfield with fresh eyes?

In another bold new move, Barnaby Festival invites town centre residents to work with an artist and open up a private home or domestic space to show artworks during the 10 day festival.   Karl Wallace explained: “Participation and engagement is at the heart of what Barnaby does so we want to work with residents to create unique festival experiences next year.  You don’t need to have any arts experience just a willingness to try something new!”

Organisers expect to select about 15-20 projects which will be presented alongside Barnaby Festival Commissions – site-specific artworks by locally based and internationally renowned artists, funded by Arts Council England. Artists selected through the Macclesfield Open Commissions will be announced shortly. A call for ‘live events’ for Barnaby2016 will follow.

The closing date for submissions is midnight, Thursday 1 October 2016. Full details of how to apply, eligibility and selection criteria and a submission form are available at www.barnabyfestival.org.uk or from mail@barnabyfestival.org.uk

Horsing Around by Helen Wright
Image: Fiona Bailey