Artist, writer, speaker and Newcastle Common’s lead artist, Dan Thompson is launching what will be a lifelong project called Peace at Newcastle Common this November. Timed to fall during Remembrance, the two-week residency will explore Newcastle-under-Lyme born Vera Brittain’s story as a pacifist, author and campaigner, with work centred around handmade paper, the trade of Vera’s family.
Exploring Vera Brittain’s connection with the town, Dan will be investigating works made with paper, offering paper making workshops so the local community can get involved and commissioning some handmade paper by one of the last UK papermill’s, using traditional techniques, and giving it to artists to make their own work about peace.
Dan Thompson is the latest artist-in-residence to work and base themselves from Appetite’s Newcastle Common at 23 High Street, Newcastle-under-Lyme. The project, which launched earlier this year, has so far welcomed a number of artists working in a range of mediums from oil paints to hat making, gardening to illustration. Responding to feedback Newcastle BID had from levy payers, about there being more activity in the town centre on a regular basis, Appetite now work in partnership with Newcastle BID to deliver Newcastle Common which is currently using two empty shop spaces in the town centre to experiment with a range of uses, artist studio and exhibition space being two. Newcastle Common is all about reinvigorating empty shop spaces as places for art and culture and to create reasons for people to come in to the town centre and spend time there.
Appetite Director Gemma Thomas said: ‘Dan’s residency will be timely, powerful and significant, falling during November and over Remembrance weekend. It connects public figures from our area and history to themes still relevant in the world today. You’ll be able to get involved with the project by learning the techniques to make paper, dropping by and chatting to him, looking at his work and exploring the story of Vera Brittain and the idea of peace. Newcastle Common is all about trying things and having a go so we’re hoping lots of people take the time to be part of Peace while it’s with us.’
Newcastle-under-Lyme BID Manager Alex Taylor said: ‘Newcastle Common is a great initiative for the public to really explore the culture and history of Newcastle-under-Lyme through the eyes of the various artists in residence. The ‘drop by and have a go’ ethos of Newcastle Common means the works are accessible to young and old alike, making it a great educational project, as well as fun for younger children.
‘Dan’s residency will bring to life the story of one of the towns many historical figures whose legacy is still pertinent today and its message of Peace is of even greater importance falling over Remembrance weekend. We’re looking forward to seeing how Peace develops and seeing the works created as part of the residency, both from Dan, the public and associated artists around the themes of peace and reconciliation.’
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council Leader Simon Tagg said: ‘It’s fantastic news that Appetite is launching ‘Peace’ as part of its successful Newcastle Common initiative. The Council is putting a great deal of focus into creating a vibrant town centre – thanks to more than £35 million from the Town Deals Fund and Future High Streets Fund – and wholeheartedly supports other creative efforts to adapt to long-term changes in how people use their high street.
‘Like all the other brilliant projects, this new and clever theme celebrates the borough’s rich history while encouraging people to try their hand at something new. It’s very timely and allows residents, shoppers and visitors to learn more about an inspirational person from Newcastle-under-Lyme who sacrificed so much and achieved so many things in her life.’
Dan Thompson will be the resident artist at Newcastle Common, 23 High Street, from Monday 1 – Sunday 14 November. There will be a programme of events as part of the residency to include an introductory talk by Dan at 2pm on Wednesday 3 November, and public exhibition of work produced over the two weeks, 11am-3pm Friday 12 – Sunday 14 November.
