There is an excitement and buzz surrounding the new Creative Arts Business Units at Aberystwyth Arts Centre, designed by Heatherwick Studio, because not only are the eight units nearing completion but some of the residents have already moved in. The units are due for completion by the beginning of next year.Another cause for celebration is the £200,000 Welsh Assembly Government grant that was announced this month by Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones which will enable additional studios to be built and provide more opportunities for visual and applied artists wanting to join the artist in residence programme at the Centre, a department of Aberystwyth University. Two artists in residence - Dafydd Fortt from Cardiff and Ellie Rees from London - have already moved in to their new premises, which will be their creative home for the next three months. They will be succeeded by further artists for the next three years. This has been made possible through funding provided by the Esme Fairbairn Foundation. 40-year-old Fortt, who completed an Art and Aesthetics degree and MA in Fine Art at UWIC in Cardiff, explains, “Coming here has allowed me to solely concentrate on my work. It’s given me the time to focus on my current work which has evolved into large scale intricate wallscapes which spring directly from my experience within the Welsh landscape.” Fortt worked for City Surf in Cardiff for five years before he decided to study art in his late 20s. He adds, “I still work at the shop now and again when I need to make ends meet. Being a surfer and working with the elements was part of the experience that has been integral in building the foundations upon which my work is based.” 32-year-old Rees from Islington, who did a Graphic Design degree at Central Saint Martin’s College in London followed by an MA in Fine Art at the Winchester School of Art in Barcelona, says, “To be one of the first artist in residence here is quite special and significant. My work involves video making and I'm currently working on an installation of separate works that I hope will create a dialogue exploring representations of femininity and romance in film, literature and popular culture.” Rees, who also works in opera making video sets, was commissioned by the Almeida Festival and has been awarded the Jerwood Opera Fellowship to design a new opera. She adds, “I will be working as part of a group of collaborators on both projects, concentrating on the visual strand of the production.” Another company looking to relocate before Christmas is Creu Cymru, the Development Agency for Theatres and Arts Centres in Wales. The Director, Richard Hogger, explains, “Being a creative organisation, it seemed only natural that we relocate to a creative hub where we will be working alongside likeminded companies and individuals. Not only will we benefit creatively, but also financially because of the build being eco friendly.” There are currently eight units spread amongst a wooded site above the Arts Centre which will provide office space for 16 residents, artists and small businesses in the local community. Those interested in taking up residency should contact Alan Hewson at the Arts Centre on 01970 622882 / aeh@aber.ac.uk Three of the units have been set aside for the Arts Centre’s Artist in Residence Scheme, a new initiative aimed at visual and applied artists for a three-month period and funded for three years by Esme Fairbairn Foundation and Wales Arts International. This development has been made possible with support from the Arts Council for Wales Lottery Fund, the Welsh Assembly Government and Aberystwyth University. Heatherwick Studio is one of the UK’s foremost design practices with projects including the world flagship store for French luxury brand Longchamp in New York, Rolling Bridge in London and the RIBA award-winning East Beach Café in Littlehampton. |
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Thursday, October 30, 2008 |
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