Black Swan Arts launches postcard campaign to raise £30,000

Black Swan Arts in Frome is appealing for everyone who lives locally to take part in a secret postcard exhibition in June. 

1,000 original postcard-sized works of art are needed for a major exhibition to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the arts centre. The postcards will be sold for £30 each with the goal of raising £30,000 towards restoring the historic Round Tower and keeping the galleries open for another 30 years.

The postcards will be exhibited anonymously (signatures and names must be on the back of the work) and all contributors will be prominently listed in the Gallery – but without any individual labels so the public won’t know if their favourite piece is by a brilliant young student at Frome College, a neighbour with hidden talent or a local celebrity.

Famous names taking part include designer and TV personality Pearl Lowe, artist Luke Piper, actor Rhys Ifans, singer-songwriter Bryan Adams, model Daisy Lowe, Danny Goffey of Supergrass, Simon Tofield of Simon’s Cat fame, Oscar-winning animator Daniel Greaves, Kevin McCloud and many others.

The postcards can be made of any material; they just need to be original work which is A6 size (148 x 105 mm) and limited to two postcards per person. There are no limits to the type of work, for example it could be drawing, painting, pens, doodling, collage, print, textile, typography, sculpture, knitting, illustration and on any material – paper, tin, clay, fabric, wood, glass, etc.

Emma Warren, centre manager at Black Swan Arts said, “We really want everyone in Frome to get excited about supporting our wonderful arts centre. This is the perfect opportunity for the community to get creative for a good cause.

“Many people don’t know where we are and may not realise that behind an old wall is a huge range of exhibitions, studios, a thriving shop and cafe.

“Over the last year the Round Tower has been re-opened to the public, opening its doors to artists shows, community exhibitions, workshops and events. We had over 40 different exhibitions across the building last year, things change every few weeks which is quite an achievement for an organisation run mostly by volunteers.

“We’re open Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm over the summer, as well as market Sundays. All ages are welcome in the arts centre and exhibitions are always free of charge to visit. You might not be aware that a few years ago Somerset County and Mendip District Councils cut 100% of our arts budget.  We really need the support of Frome to remain open, now more than ever!”

Postcard packs are available from the Gallery and the Information point next to the toilets or if you would like one sent you one, please email your postal address to exhibitions@blackswan.org.uk

Closing date for postcards is midday Tuesday 7th June. The 1,000 Postcards Exhibition is in the Main Gallery from Saturday 18th June to Tuesday 28th June.  All artists will be invited to the Private View at 6-8pm on Friday 17th June. www.blackswan.org.uk