People and communities
Creatives converge in Walsall for inspiring weekend of ideas and innovation
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One hundred creatives gathered at The New Art Gallery Walsall last weekend for talks from leading and inspiring photographers and makers exploring the tension between tradition and modernity. It also offered opportunities for creative professionals, artists and makers to connect, share knowledge and explore ideas.
The Saturday Symposium focused on photography with guest speakers including photographer, curator, filmmaker and conceptual artist Dr Pogus Caesar; photographer, director and publisher Rachell Smith; editorial and commercial beauty and fashion photographer Tina Eisen and featured a keynote from multi-award-winning photographer Garry Hunter. The day was hosted by Walsall-based photographer Andy Kruczek.
The Makers Symposium on Sunday 13 April explored how makers balance heritage techniques with contemporary innovation. Hosted by Dr Steve Harding, it featured Anne Scrimshaw, Scrapheap Challenge star and Fab Lab lead at Sandwell College; Walsall-based sculptor and designer Oliver Wellings and Great British Sewing Bee quarterfinalist Lauren Tedstone. A keynote from designer and entrepreneur Wayne Hemingway MBE round off the weekend.
All the weekend’s talks will be made available on The New Art Gallery Walsall’s YouTube channel.
Great British Sewing Bee quarterfinalist, Lauren Tedstone. Photo: Emotive Eye.
Photographer, director and publisher Rachell Smith. Photo: Emotive Eye.
Multi-award-winning photographer Garry Hunter gave a keynote at the Photography Symposium. Photo: Emotive Eye.
The speakers at Sunday's Makers Symposium. Photo: Emotive Eye.
Photographer, curator, filmmaker and conceptual artist Dr Pogus Caesar. Photo: Emotive Eye.
Dr Pogus Caesar talks to Andy Kruczek. Photo: Emotive Eye.
Rachell Smith and Tina Eisen. Photo: Emotive Eye.
Anne Scrimshaw, Scrapheap Challenge star and Fab Lab lead at Sandwell College. Photo: Emotive Eye.
Walsall-based sculptor and designer Oliver Wellings. Photo: Emotive Eye.
The speakers at Saturday's Photography Symposium. Photo: Emotive Eye.Photo: Emotive Eye.
Wayne Hemingway and Lauren Tedstone. Photo: Emotive Eye.
“ Walsall is bursting with creativity, and with the Creative Industries Enterprise Centre set to open in the Guildhall next year, there’s a real buzz about the future. MakerFest and its Fringe events have been a brilliant showcase of local talent, bringing together makers, innovators, and creative thinkers to share ideas, spark inspiration, and push forward innovation right here in our borough. We’re already looking ahead to an even bigger edition of Walsall MakerFest September. “
“ The success of the Photography and Maker Symposia has been incredible. These events have sparked new conversations, connections and creative energy across Walsall, and actively contribute to shaping a more visible and connected cultural and creative ecosystem here in the borough. “
Walsall MakerFest Fringe was delivered by Walsall Council in partnership with Urban Hax, The New Art Gallery Walsall and Walsall Cultural Compact. It was supported by DCMS’ Cultural Development Fund: Round Three through Arts Council England and sponsored by Delkin Devices.
