An open invite to all artists and creatives local to Bedford to use all three floors of our space to experience the buzz of a shared studio environment. You can work on your own projects, or, join in on a collaborative piece that will be exhibited in our grande finale exhibit ‘This Is Bedford’ with work created across the six week pop up.
POP Bedford is part of the Pride Of Place Project. We only have this space for six weeks, POP Bedford is a pilot project and is a perfect chance to trial ideas and find out what the community of Bedford would like to see and use. We hope the project will pave the way for a more permanent, community-led creative space.
We're in the process of trying to secure some more, longer term studio space too in addition to POP Studio4 in The Old Arcade, as well as increasing our windows space for POP Art.
Please note, all applicants must be 18+
'Studio' opening hours:
10am - 5pm, Monday 7 August - Sunday 13 August
Fee: £10
(come as many times as you like during the week. If you cannot afford £10 due to your economic situation, please get in touch)
The idea is you let us know which days you'd like to attend so we get an idea for numbers e.g. Tues 8 AM / Friday 11 PM.
Age: 18+ (for insurance reasons), or, if you are a parent, you are welcome to bring your children as long as they do not cause a distraction to the other artists working in the space. Please arrange this with us in advance.
Skill swap
Do you have a skill you'd love to share? For example, maybe painting to music, or mark-making or even street photography skills. We would love to be able to set up a session or two each day where we could skill swap if you would be willing for half an hour or so to help inspire your studio mates.
Co-creation project:
Our artists in residence have been creating work with the community using their own interpretation of 'This Is Bedford' which is the title of our final exhibit celebrating all the diverse communities, individuals and stories that have been involved so far in this project. This space used to be a Virgin Media shop and we inherited some old staff lockers which we are going to use during the artist takeover week.
For those that would like to get involved, the idea is that you can take over a locker and create an installation or artwork inside during the artist takeover week. You can pair up, or join forces.
NB: you don't have to get involved to participate in the artist takeover week.
What does it cost?
The fee is £10. This is for as many days as you like.
Opening times: 10am - 5pm, Monday to Sunday
What do you need to bring?
Your own materials and equipment to work with. We have plenty of chairs but limited table space. If you have a fold up table (or easel if you like to paint/draw) it's advised to bring it along. Or, if you're comfortable to do so, you can work on the floor.
Is there wifi?
Yes! We have amazingly speedy wifi. Feel free to bring your ipad/laptop for design work.
Accessibility:
We have three floors, but the only toilet is on the third floor and there is no lift. The closest accessible toilet is in the Harpur Centre, about 1 minute away. The ground floor is accessible to wheelchairs. The only other sink in the space is also on the third floor to wash up brushes/materials.
Insurance:
We request that anyone participating in the studio week has their own public liability insurance. This can be bought for as little as £2.50 for one month via axisweb. You are responsible for your own safety, and for the security of your own possessions.
___________________________________________________
To take part, please do fill in the form below and hit 'submit'.
So looking forward to seeing you here in the space!
Thanks,
Talia and the POP Bedford Team
Pride Of place Bedford
