University’s art initiative is among top fifty most socially valuable organisations in the north
The University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) public art initiative In Certain Places has been selected as among the top 50 most socially valuable organisations in the north of England by this year's Hannah Directory.
Hannah Directory looks for outstanding contributions in any activity that is for the common good of the place it happens in. The Harris Museum and Art Gallery and the Birley Artist Studio are also on the list and join artists, musicians, community groups, digital technology companies, policy think tanks, a music festival and a volunteer-run cinema in the fifth edition of the directory, which celebrates people and organisations living and working in places in England's north.
“We’re really pleased to be included in the Hannah Directory again this year alongside the Harris Museum and Art Gallery and the Birley Artist Studios” said Professor Charles Quick, Co-founder of In Certain Places. “This recognition of the work that we’re all doing, and of the creativity in Preston as a whole, is important for the city. We’ve seen the publication go from strength to strength over the years we’ve been involved and we’re proud to be included in something so well recognised.”
"These three organisations are among those in Preston making a valuable contribution to arts and culture in the North West, and I hope by sharing it as part of Hannah Directory it will inspire other people to make even more great stuff happen."
The three Preston-based organisations are featured in this year's Hannah Directory in recognition of their work in and around Preston over the last twelve months. These have included:
- In Certain Places’ The Connected City, an exploration of Preston’s edges, boundaries and changing landscapes in relation to Preston’s City Deal development scheme;
- artist-led residencies, workshops, exhibitions and events at The Birley and featuring in the Artist Led Hot 100 list for 2017
- the ARTIST ROOMS: Martin Creed exhibition and programme of contemporary art activities including the Acid Brass concert at the Harris
Andrew Wilson, who co-ordinates the project, said: “I'm delighted to have three Preston representatives in the Directory this year. These three organisations are among those in Preston making a valuable contribution to arts and culture in the North West, and I hope by sharing it as part of Hannah Directory it will inspire other people to make even more great stuff happen in places across England's north.”
Councillor Peter Kelly, Cabinet Member for Culture & Leisure at Preston City Council said: “It’s fantastic to have three of Preston’s cultural organisations in the Directory this year. There are very many creative people in the city who are contributing to a great offer for our visitors and residents that just gets better and better year on year. I wish the Directory and all the organisations included in it the best of luck for 2017.”
Events coming soon include a zine library at The Birley in July, Traces of Place with artist Olivia Keith exhibiting and talking to residents about memories of North West Preston and what makes us feel at home at the Final Whistle café 26 June – 10 July, and more music and arts events taking place at the Harris throughout the summer alongside the Flag Market programme of activity.
Hannah Directory 2017 will be distributed by hand through its network of participants and supporters. They are available from the Harris and The Birley will distribute them at its zine festival in July. An an online version is available at http://hannahfestival.com/
