CALL FOR PROPSALS

Creative Testbed – Maes Parcio Creadigol / Creative Car Park

1. Background
   Maes Parcio Creadigol is a collaborative project between Tŷ Pawb, KIM Inspire, Addo, and artist Marja Bonada. In the context of developing an experimental new green space on the car park roof of Tŷ Pawb, the partners are exploring how the sensibilities of co-production can be applied to artistic practice to benefit the creativity and wellbeing of local people.

Initially, a group from KIM Inspire, a mental health charity, have worked with artists Marja Bonada and John Merrill to plan and design the garden space, which will include in the first instance a shelter/outdoor workshop and storage space. KIM Inspire are the core group and have led the design activity, however we are continuing to including other partners in this activity such as Bom Di Cymru, a group of Portuguese elders who are keen gardeners. There are currently ambitions to thread this green strand beyond the roof and throughout Tŷ Pawb. This project therefore continues Tŷ Pawb’s ethos of collaboration and forms part of a wider enquiry into constituent-led methodology for cultural institutions, encompassing several strands of activity that are important within the programme. Namely:

• ‘Useful Art’ – adapting, responding and developing to cater to emerging and changing needs;
• Growing and building strong partnerships with local, national and international partners;
• Developing green, ethical and sustainable business practices;
• ‘Makers and Markets’ – fostering new commercial opportunities for artists, makers and traders.

The project is in receipt of Arts Council of Wales’ Connect & Flourish funding.

2. The Commission

We are now ready to share our creative green space with our wider audiences and are seeking proposals from creative individuals to trail artful creative activities within the rooftop Maes Parcio Creadigol.

We have four creative opportunities for activities to be delivered during February – April 2023. We are seeking proposals that maximise the use of this open-air creative space through a range of artforms. We see this as an opportunity to trail a collaborative creative idea with our constituents. Proposals must address the constraints of the open-air site.

We are especially interested in receiving proposals for delivery bilingually through Welsh and other locally-represented languages.

3. Fee
   A fixed budget of £1,500 has been allocated for each of the commissions, to include materials and any other delivery costs.
4. Commission Timeline

Application closing date               29^th January 2023                              

Start date                                      7^th February 2023                                          

Completion date                           Before 26^th May 2023                    

6. Submission

Proposals must include the following information and requirements –

• A current CV
• Up to 5 examples of previous work OR link to current website,


• Proposal of no more than two sides of A4, highlighting your concept, how your idea will be developed in collaboration with our constituents, and how the work will be shared and evaluated,
• An estimated timeframe,
• Confirmation that you are available to undertake the work within the timescale provided.

Please send applications via email to commissions@addocreative.com no later than 5pm 29^th January 2023.
Any queries regarding this Call Out should be directed to Tracy Simpson at tracy@addocreative.com or telephone 07890203218.

Some fluffy new additions have just arrived in our Lle Celf Ddefnyddiol//Useful Art Space.

We’ve been working with a Welsh artist, Ella Jones to create new play-themed artwork, inspired by Wrexham’s renowned adventure playgrounds, The Ventrue, The Land and Gwenfro Valley Adventure Playground.

The new works include “soft” and “wiggly” sculptures as well as giant tentacle arms – all designed to be touched and interacted with.

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Introducing Ella Jones

Ella explains her background and the inspiration behind the project: “I am a Welsh artist from Pwllheli, currently based in Manchester. I studied my BA in Fine art at Cardiff School of Art and Design in 2017 and graduated with a Master’s in fine art from Newcastle University in 2020. In my practice, I make installations, sculptures, and costumes centered on kinaesthetic learning, which is learning through bodily movement, and I want to create tangible interactions between audience and artwork.

“Science and psychology inform my work on touch from the macro to the micro; from touch therapies and sensory rooms, haptic technology, and design affordances to the workings of touch receptors in the brain and the tactile qualities of cells through a microscope.

“Recent projects include SpwrOriel community-run workshops and exhibitions funded by Menter Mon, Gwynedd (2022), Tibro Yalp exhibition, g39, Cardiff (2022), and Welcome Collection’s Mitochondrial Research Artist in Residence Newcastle Upon Tyne (2020-2021), Ingram Prize finalist (2020).”

Wrexham ‘amazing adventure playgrounds’

“After discussions and talks with Jo, I was commissioned to begin on a play-themed artwork for the useful art space. I visited Wrexham’s amazing adventure playgrounds (Y Fenter, The Land (Plas Madoc), and Gwenfro Valley in April and met the wonderful playworkers and people that run the spaces and the students studying play working. I had the chance to ask questions and delve deeper into how the playworkers thought and saw objects through the eyes of the children. Instead of building sterile, plastic and curved playgrounds, they made places for experimenting, learning, imagining and making for the children.

“Following these chats and visits, I began making fluffy latch hook sculptures inspired by the playground’s tyres. I wanted the soft sculptures to be able to slot together, stack, and build.

“Y Fenter adventure playground had wooden bridges with fabric floating down. I thought about dens, tents, hiding places, and spaces kids design and imagine for themselves. So I’ve made a patterned four-panel fabric sheet with ties on the end so children can play with it like a parachute watching the light go through the different fabric or tie it up to the wall to make their den.”

Multisensory experiences

“I’ve made wiggly silicone sculptures made to be touched and interacted with, like the slimy silicone aliens and squidgy rubber things often at toy shops. I’m interested in making sickly sweet coloured sculptures combined with unusual textures like tentacles, scales, and wiggly shapes that are to be explored by interaction to figure out what they could be, feel like, weigh and smell like. I’ve also made giant tentacle arms from peeling latex off bubble wrap.”

“I’m hoping these multisensory experiences create memories not just for the visual. Still, the memory of how something feels, smells, texture, temperature, softness or rigidness. It’s smudginess or roughness.

“I’ve enjoyed experimenting with processes and learning new techniques like sewing with tent fabric. I’ve enjoyed spending a long-time making work such as the latch hook soft sculptures with the thinnest yarn; it takes 1-2 months to finish because I have to hook on each strand individually. It’s time-consuming but a very relaxing process.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the objects in the space, how they are played, and what people want to do with them.”

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We are delighted to host the return of the prestigious, biennial Print International exhibition. 

Print International 2021 will include 139 pieces of artwork by artists from 10 countries including Germany, America, France, Australia, Canada, Russia, Poland, Spain – and Wales of course!

This follows a tremendous response to this year’s open call with over four hundred artworks submitted.

Amongst this exhibition there is also artwork featured by artists, practitioners and educators from the Regional Print Centre to celebrate its 20th Anniversary.

Prizes to be awarded

Prizes will be awarded in four categories:

• John Purcell Paper Prize
• Printmaking Today Editorial
• The Regional Print Centre Opportunities
• The Judges Prize of £1000.

The judges for this year are Leonie Bradley (Editor of Printmaking Today, artist and elected member of the Society of Wood Engravers), Tracy Hill (Artist, Research Associate Artlab Contemporary Print Studios, UCLan.) and Nigel Morris (Artist/Printmaker, Facilitator, Coordinator of RPC).

An exhibition everyone can enjoy

Cllr Hugh Jones said: “Print international is one of the true highlights of Tŷ Pawb’s exhibitions calendar. With 139 artworks featured by artists from 10 different countries, the variety of styles, colours and ideas on show make it a hugely enjoyable and accessible exhibition for all ages.

“It’s an ideal exhibition for families and children will also be able to enjoy special activities themed around the exhibition during the Christmas holidays.

“Tŷ Pawb will be full over activity over the next few weeks with Christmas shoppers visiting the markets, a fantastic food and drink offer, live music, comedy nights and much more. I would highly recommend all visitors pop in to the gallery during their visit and to spend some relaxing time exploring wonderful show.”

• Print International 2021 will be open from Saturday 4th December until Saturday 26 February.
• Gallery opening times are 10am-4pm, Monday-Saturday.

Special thanks to the exhibition sponsors, John Purcell Paper, Regional Print Centre, Printmaking Today magazine and Arts Council Wales.

Image credit: Artist by Graeme Reed

The award winning international showcase festival, FOCUS Wales, returns to Wrexham this weekend and Tŷ Pawb will once again be right at the heart of the action!

Now in it’s 10th year, FOCUS Wales will bring over 250 bands to Wrexham, playing on 20 stages at venues across the town centre.

With over 15,000 music fans expected to attend over three days it’s looking like a fantastic weekend!

There will be plenty for all ages to enjoy at Tŷ Pawb this Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Here’s a quick guide…

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Three stages of live music

Every day from 10.30am-5.30pm you’ll be able to enjoy acoustic performances and DJ’s in the Food Court via the Shepherd’s Hut stage.

No wristband/ticket is required for the Shepherd’s Hut Stage. Feel free to sit in the Food Court and enjoy the music!

Then from 5.30pm onwards the live music will kick off in the Performance Space and the Flexible Square. There’s a world class lineup of bands to enjoy including Art School Girlfriend, Georgia Ruth and Jack Found, as well as some top international bands from Canada and Sweden.

Festival wristbands/tickets will be required for the Performance Space and the Flexible Square .

Full timetable for all stages and ticket info available on the FOCUS Wales website.

Interactive conferences

There will be a range of interactive conference and networking events taking place in our Flexible Space, Performance Space and Useful Art Space over the three days of the festival.

This will include interviews with celebrated British film director, DJ and musician, Donn Letts and the internationally renowned Welsh harpist, musician and composer Catrin Finch.

View the FOCUS Wales website for the full lineup of conference events and ticket information.

Special exhibition – A decade of FOCUS Wales in pictures

To celebrate the festival’s 10th anniversary, we’ll be hosting a special exhibition by photographer Brent Jones.

IN FOCUS will feature some of the best festival highlights captured on film by Brent over the last ten years.

This exhibition is FREE to enjoy and will be on show near the Flexible Square throughout the festival.

Eat, drink and shop

Whether you’re a regular visitor to Tŷ Pawb or visiting for the first time, we highly recommend having a browse around our Market and Food Court so you can meet some of our amazing local businesses.

You’ll find unique, Wrexham-inspired gift ideas, handmade cards, crafts, clothes, toys, games and much more – the perfect place to spend some time while waiting for the next event!

FOCUS Wales Family Art Club

Every Saturday from 10am-12pm we will have an artist-led session for children and their families to explore our galleries and develop imagination and making skills.

This Saturday we have a FOCUS Wales special! You’ll be invited to design your own funky record using craft materials.

10am – 12pm, £3 per child. This session is a family drop-in, children must be accompanied by an adult.

Contact us for more details – typawb@wrexham.gov.uk or telephone 01978 292144

Free entry to the gallery

Our new exhibition, Misshapes: The Making of Tatty Devine features over 100 objects over 20 years from one of Britain’s most iconic design teams.

The exhibition is a celebration of creativity and innovative British design and making, alongside the glamour and humour that Tatty Devine are known for.

Pop into the gallery and take a look – it’s free to enjoy. The entrance is located right next to the Food Court – ask at reception for details.

All festival info, including timetables, ticket/wristband information and a handy map of all the town centre venues can be found on the FOCUS Wales website.

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An exhibition celebrating 20 years of a personality-packed jewellery brand

We are excited to share with you details of our next exhibition, Misshapes: The Making of Tatty Devine.

On Friday 24th September from 6pm, we welcome all members of the public to take a first look at the exhibition. The exhibition then continues from 25th September until 13th November 2021.

This exhibition is the first about the design duo, Harriet Vine and Rosie Wolfenden. We are privileged to have Harriet attend the launch and she will give a free talk about Tatty Devine’s practice as part of the evening’s events. This will be an unique opportunity to hear directly from one of the UK’s most celebrated designers.

The next day, Harriet will also be leading a jewellery making workshop. Details on what to expect from the workshop how to book a place can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/171245699497  

Ahead of the curve

Tatty Devine’s statement jewellery is always ahead of the curve. Their jewellery tells stories and generates conversation. This summer Misshapes: The making of Tatty Devine, will consider the power of creativity and innovative British design and making, alongside the glamour and humour that Tatty Devine are known for.

The exhibition is about the design duo, Harriet Vine and Rosie Wolfenden, who met at Chelsea College of Art and founded Tatty Devine when they graduated in 1999. They soon started trading from a market stall in east London and developed a signature style that saw them lauded in Vogue and stocked in Harvey Nichols and Whistles within the year. They discovered laser-cut acrylic on a trip to New York in 2001. On their return, they invested in a laser-cutting machine, rarely used in jewellery at that time, which then gave them a creative freedom to push the boundaries. Something they continue to do to this day. 

Playful personality-packed jewellery

In the early years, Tatty Devine’s DIY, unknowingly anarchic approach resonated with an industry and public who were hungry for something different from the commercialised, mass-produced products on offer. Turning disposable objects like guitar plectrums and cake decorations into playful personality-packed jewellery resonated with people and led to fans all over the world, as well as collaborations with musicians, artists and fashion designers. 

20 years after pioneering attention-grabbing laser cut jewellery, all their pieces are still made by hand in the UK.  They remain culturally relevant as they continue to design bold pieces for campaigns close to their hearts, such as Fawcett Society, Comic Relief and Battersea Cats and Dogs Home, and they are passionate advocates for the power of creativity. 

Misshapes will feature over 100 pieces from the past 20 years, from the early leather cuffs and piano belts to giant two metre versions of their ‘greatest hits’ including a huge lobster, parrot and dinosaur, alongside sketchbooks, ephemera and two new films. Also newer pieces that show how Tatty Devine continues to embrace technology and cultural shifts. 

Cllr Hugh Jones, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety said: “We are delighted to welcome another major Crafts Council touring exhibition to Wrexham. Tatty Devine have built up a huge following all over the country over the last 20 years and are now among the UK’s most celebrated designers, however you won’t need to be familiar with their story to enjoy this exhibition. It’s a playful and colourful collection of quirky and iconic creations, over 100 in all, so there will be plenty to see and enjoy for all ages.”