ANYONE with knowledge or an interest in Stalybridge’s heritage is invited to a drop-in event this week led by a renowned artist, designer and creative producer.
It’s taking place on Wednesday, September 13, from 3pm to 8pm at Bridge Beers on Melbourne Street.
People can join artist in residence Sally Gilford to share artefacts, photographs, objects, stories and articles all about the history of Stalybridge.
There will be a chance to talk to Sally about anything you bring along and objects may be photographed too, with your permission. Limited-edition beer mats, made especially for the event, will also be on hand to scribe any nuggets of information on.
People will get a traditional potato pie, made by a local supplier, in return for their contributions at Wednesday’s event.
The photographs will be added to the online archive of The Living Room – which has been developed by The Bridge Culture Consortium as a place to learn, browse, create and document the town’s past, current and future ideas and moments.
It’s also been designed to encourage local people to create a living history of their hometown by sharing memories, stories, letters and images.
Sally has been commissioned across a diverse range of settings, including internationally recognised galleries, museums, educational and cultural organisations.
She was chosen for the artist-in-residence post for the project with The Living Room, which runs throughout this month to coincide with Heritage Open Days, which are taking place this week.
Sally said: “It is fantastic to have been given the opportunity to make a new piece of work that reflects the town and its community. I’m really looking forward to meeting the people of Stalybridge and finding out more about what makes this place tick.”
Steven Dexter, Executive Producer and Co-founder of Local, one of the organisations behind The Bridge, said: “Sally’s understanding of The Living Room as a tool and her proposal for community activity to tease out stories from the public and create exciting artwork as a result was exceptional.
“We are really looking forward to seeing what Sally produces during her residency. This is yet another exciting milestone in Stalybridge’s arts and culture movement.”
To find out more about Sally’s residency, or to connect with The Bridge, email cultureinstalybridge@gmail.com or hello@wearelocal.org.uk