A major visual arts biennial is being planned for Chester later this year.
Chester Contemporary will feature new and existing work by Chester-based and international contemporary artists.
Included in the line-up will be emerging artists and a creative engagement programme with communities and schools in the city.
The event I set to take place from 22nd September until 1st December 2023.
At the official launch event in February, artists confirmed for the core programme were announced.
Those topping the bill include: John Akomfrah, Fiona Banner, Simeon Barclay, Jacq Bebb, Fischli Weiss, Tim Foxon, Ryan Gander, Hannah Perry, and Elizabeth Price.
Chester Contemporary is being funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Arts Council England as part of a programme to invigorate and grow visual arts.
It has been developed over the past two-years with a range of partners – including the University of Chester, Storyhouse and Open Eye Gallery – and at its heart is a programme for local communities, children and young people.
Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cllr Louise Gittins said: “Chester has hosted a wide variety of exciting artistic events over the years and this year sees a huge leap forward with Chester Contemporary.
“There will be an emerging artist programme with five artists’ who are at a pivotal point in their careers being supported with professional development sessions, mentoring, and participation in the Chester Contemporary’s artistic programme.
“The social engagement programme will include ‘The Feast on the Lache’, a community celebration co-created by the people of Lache with artist Lowri Evans, and ‘The Start of All Imaginings’, a co-created work between artist Patricia Mackinnon-Day and Chester market traders.
“An education programme will work with ten schools across the city with work shown as part of the event.”
Chester-born artist Ryan Gander is set to take on the role of artist director ad says his vision is for it to be a walking biennial, where visitors come across playful interventions and provocative artwork in and around the city.
He says he is passionate about developing Chester’s visual arts scene and wants the Chester Contemporary to shake up the expectations people may have of the city.
He commented: “I love Chester. Actually, I miss it dearly, so I’m super excited to be coming back to my hometown to curate Chester Contemporary.
“I think that with the catalytic support it deserves, the Contemporary will make Chester a serious destination for international visual arts and create a modern renaissance of creativity throughout the entire fabric of the place, leaving a mark on everyone who lives here and visits.
“Chester Contemporary is not just an event for the people of Chester… they will own it.”
The theme of the first event is ‘Centred on the Periphery’ and is an exploration of how those places on the edges of the centre, often just out of sight of the mainstream, can become the primary focus.
