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This August, Towner is opening up its ground floor studio to become an interactive workspace and creative community for artists.

Over four weeks, forty artists — selected after an Open Call earlier this year — will come together to share ideas and perspectives, form intergenerational and intercultural connections and support each other in generating new artworks, collaborations and opportunities from across disciplines and regions. Everyone taking part will then have the chance to book a space at Towner to use again, either as a group or individually in the future.

The space will be open to the public for the duration of Open Plan. It is free, drop-in event so you’ll get an opportunity to view the artist's process and artistic practice firsthand.

This week's participating artists told us a bit more about their work and what they're looking forward to about Open Plan:

I work across a range of low tech media and processes (pen and paper, sticky tape and glue, household and found materials...) making drawings and objects which reflect my interest in how things form, grow and evolve, often mirroring processes of evolution by revisiting and re-configuring past work into new forms. I’m really looking forward to working alongside artists of different ages, genders and backgrounds in a creative environment which encourages a free and adventurous approach to making, with opportunities to take on board new perspectives and share knowledge, experience, skills and expertise.

instagram: @judith.alder and @vitalsigns2023

I work intuitively, making semi-abstract figurative paintings, describing ethereal, inner landscapes and dream spaces often aiming to capture the immediacy and energetic quality of sketchbook drawing or painting and how this might describe a new space for the marginalised female. I like the experimental aspect of the Open Plan Programme and am looking forward to seeing what might be created whilst engaging and collaborating with other artists whilst being open to trying out new approaches and materials.

instagram: @shirleyarchibaldart

In my opinion, making is inherently human; the need to take an original thought and convey that in a way which makes other people feel, is part of who we are. What I'm most looking forward to about the Open Plan programme is working alongside other artists, sharing ideas, and a sense of community.

instagram: @williamede.artist

I am a colourist, essentially, whether I like it or not I go towards making colour the subject. Shape stimulates me too with either negative space or positive space being jostled with. The work has got to be balanced and have a certain amount of dynamism. My work doesn’t sit quietly it reflects my personality. Could I change, do I want to? No, I am working towards refinement, which is a deliberation and a reworking of existing images which may take a turn for a completely new way of thinking. I worked for years in London as an Art Therapist, dynamics I understand has a considerable bearing upon art. This new space and group of people will inevitably influence a new body of work.

instagram: @geraldinefranklin5858

My practice is focussed on the built environment and the different ways we respond to it. I am looking forward to meeting the selected artists, working in new context and a different space.

instagram: @sharanhaward

My art? My art is free-flowing. Fluid. It moves with my emotions through colour and shape. My art is inspired by those before me, those to come after me and all the inbetween. Although I am surrounded by many creative souls I have not spent much time around other artists since graduating and covid-19. I look forward to the opportunity of making and creating with other artists - to bounce ideas off one another. A chance to reconnect with the art community.

instagram: @rosielizabethart_

My work explores materiality as a process, collecting and transforming felled items through installation and performance art acts as a means of interjecting personal philosophies. I am looking forward to reconnecting with local artists, encouraging ambiguous concepts. This programme will allow me to engage in an open dialogue, potentially breaking down boundaries and limitations.

instagram: @plant_ifulart

I love to experiment with drawing, photography, film and sound. I'm excited to reassert my confidence and purpose as an artist, as opposed to being an invisibly disabled art lover, with the right preparation I hope to surprise myself with what I can achieve, and the conversations I will have.

instagram: @tracyjonesart

My work is inspired by moments in the everyday. Sometimes I like to add these moments to unlikely back drops, such as space, to give a whole new narrative to my work. I’m so excited to meet other artists, and work in an inspiring space. I’m hoping to learn a lot from my experience.

instagram: @nightartlover

Energy, movement, vibrancy, collaboration. I am looking forward to attending the Open Plan programme with not a little dread and anxiety for it will be a new experience working alongside others but, I also feel certain that the feedback will have a positive, focusing effect on my future work.

instagram: @david_reed1941

I put together objects, both found and made, to create installations that tell a story of place, people and memory. I place myself in environments where I have a strong sense of feeling or being ‘out of place’, where my visceral reaction to the nature of the space and the materials I gather onsite direct the work I make. My projects explore the choreography of human interaction and the stories reflect the moments where we connect with each other and the absence when we don’t. A look, a glance, a shared thought. Conversations overheard, fragmented and taken out of context. Objects showing the patina of use and repair, the traces we leave behind. I look forward to being out of place, reacting to a new environment and engaging with other makers. Arriving with no pre-conceived idea of what I might create during the week.

instagram: @clshoos

I hope my work reflects my feelings of reverence and grief for the earth. It is what I try to do using any media; suitable, sustainable and available at the time. Often it seems trivial when faced with such awe. I can't wait for one whole week! Artists, space, play, no intention and no knowing, what a beautiful antidote.

instagram: @charlottestill4385

Learn more about Open Plan on its web page.

Follow us on instagram for updates on public events associated with the programme:

@townergallery

Week One artists

Week Two artists

Week Three artists