Newcastle Gateshead’s iconic Quayside illuminated this evening with an exclusive artwork projection on the side of Baltic, whilst its famous Gateshead Millennium Bridge turned Fenwick’s signature green as Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art celebrated its Open Submission in association with Fenwick.
Fenwick is partnering with Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art to support the second iteration of Baltic’s Open Submission exhibition, which presents over 100 artworks from incredibly talented North East-based hobbyists and self-taught creatives, alongside works by established artists, drawn from over 1400 submissions.
Artwork commissioned for projection onto Baltic’s North face was produced by Newcastle-born, internationally acclaimed graphic artist and video director Jimmy Turrell, depicting an animated collage of both Fenwick and Baltic logos.
Fenwick has long been a supporter of artists and visual Arts in the region, and by partnering with one of Europe’s largest contemporary art galleries, the brand hopes to support emerging talent and further connect with the community.
Speaking on the partnership, Leo Fenwick, Strategic Partnerships Director at Fenwick, said: “Art and cultural landmarks, like Baltic, play a very important role in our community and we really need them in our towns and cities to bring people together. To inspire people and for people to really connect through art. This exhibition is a celebration and testimony to the sheer breadth of creative talent in the region and we are so honoured to be partnering with Baltic.”
Describing the projection artwork, artist Jimmy Turrell, said: “Overall, the eye symbol conveys themes of vision, inclusivity, curiosity, insight, and perception, all of which align with the spirit of artistic exploration and diversity fostered by this open submission exhibition. The spliced logos explore the synergy between two of the North East’s most iconic brands, coming together to create something new – a unique view of the region’s future creative landscape.”
The group exhibition spanning painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, film, and installation work is set to open to the public on Saturday 16 March 2024 until Sunday 1 September 2024, and showcases the work of 104 North East artists that were selected by an expert panel of established regional talent.
Baltic’s Open Submission initiative seeks to give visibility to arts practice from individuals and collectives that may not previously have been seen by a public audience. No training, qualifications, or experience of exhibiting publicly was necessary to submit an artwork.
Sarah Munro, Baltic Director, said: “This project in collaboration with Fenwick, is so important to Baltic so people from our region get to show their creativity. To have such wonderful diversity and talent come through so strongly in over 100 artworks in the exhibition from painting to sculpture to photography, drawing and more is a joy. Partnering with Fenwick on Open Submission was born from our shared belief in creativity in the region, and coming together to support a social purpose of ensuring art and opportunities are accessible to everyone.”
Baltic Open Submission 2024 exhibition will run from 16 March – 1 September 2024 in Baltic’s Ground Floor gallery.
To find out more please visit: www.baltic.art/open