'Touched' - new artwork by Alex Ingram

Venue: Core Arts Click here for more info

Until 7th June

Alex Ingram works a number of mediums; photography, video, painting and poetry. Touched is his second solo show at Core Arts, with pieces collated since his last show (White Works) two years ago.

Touched is an opportunity to explore the tactile effects by himself and others (the creative hand) and the eventuality of change through intervention to a static environment. From directly working on photographs to the idea of moments of touch, to the grouping of the work as an installation, he is interested in the poetic, allowing a space for the participant viewer to create meaning and form a relationship with the work on their own terms.

'Touched' will also be an opportunity to hear a reading from his book, One Hundred on the Horizon a collection of his poetry.

Forging its own path in largely uncharted territory between arts centre, community space and commercial art gallery, Core Arts is first and foremost a creative hub with strong links to the local community. Core Arts is run exclusively by practising artists and musicians, for artists and musicians who have, or have had, severe and enduring mental health issues.

Artwork or performance at Core Arts is not judged or displayed on these terms. Pigeon-holes that categorise into 'outsider' or 'therapy' are strongly avoided. Individuality and creativity are respected and nurtured; artists are encouraged to develop their own strategies. Often, professional artists, musicians and writers share the same wall, stage and page as Core Arts members, without hierarchy. The results are exciting, refreshing and challenge both artistic and mental health preconceptions and clichés.

This show, with a host of exhibitors including many highly respected professionals from all areas of the arts, reinforcing and supporting Core Arts philosophy, is an introduction to the pioneering approach that Core Arts has pursued since its conception some 20 years ago.

Live music from The Priscillas & special guests

The Priscillas have an awesome live reputation. Their shows leave audiences with huge grins, humming their catchier-than-flu tunes. They've been likened to the Ramones meeting the Shangri-Las but equally they look like they've escaped from a 60s girl-gang movie, all big hair, short skirts and take-no-crap-from-boys attitude. Great music played by smart, sassy and ever so slightly scary women: what's not to love about the Priscillas?

+ Dj's and special guests from 9 pm (Priscillas on stage 10pm) fully licensed bar, friendly prices, proper community vibe