Creating Place
- 1st July – 16th September 2023
Creating Place opened its doors on the 1st July and welcomed visitors to the Turnpike Gallery until 16th September. The exhibition evolved over the summer as local people added their own artworks in a variety of materials exploring the theme of ‘home’.
The Turnpike Gallery worked in partnership with Sheba Arts and lead artist Beena Nouri to run a series of art workshops with asylum seekers, refugees and migrant communities supported by SWAP (Supporting Wigan Arrivals Project) in Leigh. Their clay tiles, model houses, decorative screens and basket weaving were displayed in the gallery and visitors were invited to make their own additions to the exhibition.
Leeds-based artist Mohammad Barrangi was resident in the gallery for several days during July, creating a wonderful new installation in his own inimitable style, inspired by stories and images from his home in Iran.
Ahmed Elzber created two large abstract paintings reflecting on the emotional power of colours and memories of his childhood in Sudan.
Artists Hannah Bold, Craig Atherton, Gemma Lees, Hattie Kongauruan and Kate Bufton delivered family drop-in workshops on Saturday mornings throughout the exhibition and worked with local schools and community groups.
The culmination of project was a celebratory event on Friday 15th September with musical performances by Dana Ismaili and Moonraker Foundation, international food and a gallery full of wonderful community art.