Alive In Us

Cheltenham

Dates: 9th March - 28th April 2024

A new art project in Cheltenham will bring together women’s groups as part of a scheme to mark International Women’s Day in the town this year.

Artists Zoë Laureen Palmer and Cherry Truluck are leading the project which brings nature, art, and communities together in Cheltenham. Working closely with women’s groups across the Town, the project will culminate in an exhibition, Alive in Us, at The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum. The exhibition will showcase contemporary work by the two artists, along with the local community, in a celebration of the creative achievements and experiences of women and girls.

The exhibition will also reveal new stories and artwork from Cheltenham’s historic museum collection as a result of research and exploration of local social history that has revealed the important voices of women throughout history.  In a legacy project, an artwork from the exhibition will become part of the Museum Collection, beginning the Cheltenham Women’s Archive.  Celebrating women’s achievements from the past, present and future, this artwork will mark the first of an annual series of acquisitions to the new archive which will acknowledge work of national importance by local women and girls in the fields of art, science, education and community every year. The archive will bring to life women’s stories to ensure that future generations of visitors to the Museum can learn from the enormous contribution of women to Cheltenham’s cultural heritage.

Alive in Us is funded by Cheltenham Borough Council using money contributed via the development process. It will be opened by the artists on Saturday 9th March, the day following International Women’s Day and at the end of International Women’s Week. Following the official launch there will be free interactive family friendly workshops, and an opportunity to contribute to the artworks and share experiences through an open sound recording booth. In the evening the artists will host a free community party.

The gallery will be filled with a large-scale textile installation incorporating seeds and artworks woven into fabric.  During the course of the exhibition these seeds will sprout and grow, keeping the artwork in a constant state of evolution. Visitors to the gallery will be immersed into a sound landscape featuring the voices of local women and will be able to enjoy artworks and artefacts from the Museum’s collection, alongside the exciting work made by women of today.

At the close of the exhibition, community groups and the general public will be invited to take part in a celebratory procession on Saturday 27th April at 11am from The Wilson to St. Paul’s. The textiles will be carried out of the exhibition to be planted directly into the soil of local community spaces in a new community garden project where they will continue to grow as part of the legacy of the women’s work.

Artists Zoë Laureen Palmer and Cherry Truluck said: “We are thrilled to be working with the Wilson on Alive in Us. The project celebrates the vitality and lives of women past and present, giving voice to stories of connectivity and resistance in the complex history and vibrant present of Cheltenham.”

Lisa Edgar, head of culture at The Cheltenham Trust said: “The Wilson is delighted to support local women taking part in Alive in Us, to ensure that their creativity, ingenuity and resourcefulness is celebrated today. Their contribution to the life and culture of Cheltenham will be recognised through the new Women’s Archive, which will acknowledge their achievements both from the last 200 years of history – and into the future, as we look forward to a new annual museum acquisition that will chronical the most brilliant and impactful achievements by local women for years to come.”

Cheltenham Borough cabinet member for economic development, culture, tourism and wellbeing, Councillor Max Wilkinson said, “It is very important that our town marks International Women’s Day and this project will do just that in a way that brings people together in a touching and creative way that contributes to a new archive dedicated to the achievements of Cheltenham women and girls. I’d like to thank everyone involved, in helping to make this a meaningful and vibrant exhibition for all to enjoy.  We owe thanks to the people from local organisations who have volunteered their time to ensure it will be a success.”

 

More details about Alive In Us (External Link)

 

The Cheltenham Trust

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