Since the festival closing this year we may have been quiet on the news front but we haven’t been slacking. We have been busy undertaking a review of its future programming model and artistic ambitions. As a result of this work SIT is making a significant shift from its historic annual festival model towards a more compact, but higher impact, suite of public-facing exhibitions and events
Stroud International Textiles (SIT) has received confirmation of funding from Arts Council England that will support our new programme over the next 18 months.
We are grateful to ACE for their continued support and in recognising the importance of SIT and our contribution to the arts locally, regionally and nationally. We also have the support of Stroud District Council for another year.
In a challenging and competitive world we cannot rely on public funding and must find imaginative ways to support our work. One way is through the Friends of SIT scheme and we appreciate and value all who join.
For artists and makers we have a special reduced price that closes at the end of November. It is for £8 and to take advantage of this fantastic offer please e mail the office for a form [email protected].
After November 31st it will return to the normal rate. Please note this offer is for artist makers only.
There are lots of benefits by being a Friend of SIT – reductions of tickets; invitations to private views; trips and much more. Artists get additional benefits and join a network of nationwide makers and arts organisations. To join or renew your membership please go to the website where you can join through Paypal or send a cheque with your details to the SIT office.
Friends of SIT membership last for one year and should be renewed in September of each year.
We work hard to make SIT more sustainable and self sufficient as public funding continues to reduce and costs continue to rise.
We believe in delivering high quality, diverse and stimulating exhibitions and education opportunities and we hope that our new programming will continue to bring pleasure and attract audiences to our events.
Select
Following the 2011 festival we decided to review our work and look to the future. The result is SELECT, introducing a new direction to be launched in May 2012.
While continuing to focus on textiles we will be supporting other art and craft forms in our work.
Current plans include exhibitions and events with a number of internationally respected artists/makers including Alice Kettle, Ptolemy Mann, Helen Storey, David Gates, Pamela Rawnsley, Hillu Liebelt
to name a few of the inspiring artist/makers SIT will be working in collaboration on future events.
Other plans include links to manufacturing and industry to extend our futures programme.
The changes are designed to further raise SIT’s reputation for excellence and innovation, build on our audience base nationally and internationally, and to challenge convention while presenting textiles and the applied arts.
There will be two exhibitions a year co-curated by Lizzi Walton (SIT Artistic Director) and a lead artist, bringing fresh, vigour and ideas to the table.
We will be extending our boundaries and taking exhibitions to new exciting venues and building new partnerships.
Pairings
Opening on 28th April 2012 at the Museum in the Park Stroud will be ‘Pairings’ with lead curator, Alice Kettle. ‘Pairings’ will bring together pairs of designer/artists, who work in different disciplines, to collaborate, share studios, explore and exchange knowledge. They will then create new work influenced by that pairing collaboration to form part of the exhibition. SIT is thrilled to be working with Alice and looking forward to developing the ‘Pairings’ exhibition and related project work. www.alicekettle.com
Alice Kettle ‘Head II’ 2008
Autumn 2012 will see new work by textile designer, Ptolemy Mann – ‘The Architecture of Cloth, Colour and Space’ at Gloucester Cathedral. This exhibition will be in association with the Ruthin Craft Centre and the Harley Gallery.
www.ptolemymann.com
Ptolemy Mann
The cathedral will be an exciting and challenging space but we are confident that Ptolemy’s stunning textiles will look splendid and dramatic. I just hope I do not have to climb a ladder to install work on those massive pillars!
To complement each exhibition there will be a Symposium encouraging debate, enquiry and discovery
Secret Artist
Friday 18 November 11am - 9pm & Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 November 11am - 4pm
In aid of the Museum in the Park's Walled Garden Project
'Secret Artist' is an exhibition of original postcard-sized art, made by well-known artists plus up-and-coming young artists.
The A5 postcards are displayed anonymously and are signed on the reverse, so that the artist remains a secret until after the cards are collected and their signature is revealed. By taking a chance and buying a Secret Artist ticket before they run out, you’re guaranteed a new work of art to keep or give away as a gift.
'Secret Artist' is a fundraising event to support the Museum's hidden garden, which is locked away behind an old ornate iron gate. Such walled, secret and midnight gardens capture our imaginations and have inspired many artists and writers. Now there is a plan to open up Stroud's very own secret garden to the community while retaining elements of its wild and mysterious character.
To help get this exciting new project started, come along to the Museum on 18, 19 or 20 November and buy a Secret Artist ticket. Tickets cost just £15 each.
Talks
We have some interesting talks in 2012 that include silversmith Pamela Rawnsley and jewellery designer, Syann Van Niftrik on March 17th. The talks will be held at the Museum in the Park to complement the new exhibition of work by jewellery designer, Nora Fok opening on 16th March in Gallery 1.
Workshops to come in 2012 are Hilary Bower, over the weekend of 31st March & 1st April. Hilary is a past exhibitor with SIT and her innovative use of materials sets her apart as a textile artist. Dawn Dupree will present a workshop on 3rd and 4th March on ‘Heat Transfer and Printing techniques’. This heralds a new partnering with Prema Art Centre in Uley.
www.hilarybower.comm
www.syanvanniftrik.co.uk
www.dawndupree.comm
More information and details of how to book will be released in the new year.
Pamela Rawnsley
Dawn Dupree
Syann van Niftrik
New Patrons
Two new patrons join Mary La Trobe Bateman. They are business woman and designer Lulu Guinness and leadingtapestry artist Jilly Edwards.
Lost in Lace
See lace in a new light as 20 leading international artists present radical, theatrical and spectacular new work which explores textiles and space at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery
Depart Stratford Park, Stroud - Sunday 20 November 11.00am (Gallery open 12.30)
Leave Birmingham 5pm
There will be a short introduction to the exhibition from Andy Horn Exhibitions manager
Cost £16 Friends of SIT (£ 20 non-members)
Book now, only 20 seats available.
We have a short term vacancy for an experienced fundraiser. Someone who is self employed, good with budgets and strong knowledge of the arts. For details contact the SIT office on 01453 751056 or e mail [email protected].
T :+44 (0) 1453 751056 E : [email protected] Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday Friday 10 am - 3 pm closed lunch
Stroud Contemporary Textiles Limited trading as
Stroud International Textiles Company Limited by Guarantee NOT FOR PROFIT registered in England No 6608614
