Empty Woolworths Becomes Art Gallery
Leytonstone Arts Trail have announced that for three weeks over summer, the closed Woolworths store in Leytonstone High Road will be converted into a gallery and opened to the public.
There will be a range of art on show, from pictures and paintings through to sculptures and film. The work will include site-specific installations from artists who have been inspired by the building and created something unique for this show. The exhibition is being curated by two Waltham Forest residents who work at the Royal College of Arts and the University of East London.
"I have been working with voluntary groups to secure more opportunities for visual and creative arts here in our community. With the addition of the fantastic space in ex-Woolworths as a venue," says organiser Chris Davies, "this year's Leytonstone Arts Trail promises to bring renowned artists to Leytonstone as well as attract a wide audience for local talent."
The gallery will be open for extended periods across four weekends during the Arts Trail period of 27 June to 19 July. The exhibition will be suitable for all the family, and school visits will be welcome. Entrance is free of charge - full details will be available in the Arts Trail Map, available in Leytonstone libraries, 491 Gallery and participating cafés from mid June.
Leytonstone Arts Trail is an artist-led voluntary organisation chaired by local artist Frances Bowman. The Trail provides local artists with a platform to exhibit their work, and provides the people of Leytonstone with art exhibitions and events.
The Woolworths project is part of the national Empty Shops Network.
More: