Art, Work and Place

 

 

 

 Click arrows to zoom in/out. Pan by using the mouse. Hold down the left key and drag the photo. Photo courtesy of Julian Bull

 

An Arts Programme at Foundry Lane, Smethwick

Following the success of the ‘ intervention’ show in Handsworth in February 2002, t he Sozo Collective in partnership with The Public (formerly Jubilee Arts/c-plex) are staging a vast new event called ‘ re:location’, which will run in various forms from July to October 2003. The show is curated by Dave Pollard (Alchemy, Intervention), and will present art that responds to themes of work and place. As the project unfolds, the public will have access to view works-in-progress and gain insight into the processes of converting a derelict ex–industrial workspace into a public arts venue. The main programme will run from September 27 th to October 11th 2003.

re:location is set in and behind Commercial X-Rays Ltd. on Foundry Lane, Smethwick (Sandwell MBC), on the north side of the road between Black Patch Recreation Ground and Rabone Lane. It is easy cycling along the canal from Birmingham city centre (or an equally nice stroll of about 30 minutes from Broad Street) and there are two tram stations within easy walking distance: Handsworth Booth Street, about five minutes walk through the visually arresting industrial quarter, and Winson Green/Outer Circle, slightly farther away and more circuitous, but via the lovely Black Patch Recreation Ground and Merry Hill allotments.

The focus of the event is on the relationship of work to life, the intersection (and occasional collision!) of employment and domesticity. The interior space will be used to focus on the industrial process and how humans fit into it. The exterior covered area at the rear (a 26,000 sq. ft. disused industrial shed) will focus more on the constructs of home and community that we use to deal with the pressures emanating from work life. This 'back garden/conservatory' will house a performance area, while the 'interior' work space features a working cafe.

The project website is up and running under the name Re-location. Likewise,  the Sozo site  contains an eye-opening glimpse at the proceedings. For more corporeal visits, someone is at the Foundry Lane site every day so feel free to call in.

Site Geography: a bit of context

Foundry Lane: what's to know? If you want to know more about the building and its environs.

Dereliction and Art: looking for a bit of theoretical perspective? Try this.

Commercial X-Rays Ltd: who can say? We're still trawling for information. Some of what we find will show up here.