A new cultural programme supported by Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) is bringing celebrated national and international artists to Lincoln.
Launching this week, Mansions of the Future is a new cultural platform bringing a variety of art forms to Lincoln. The theme will explore culture, power and democracy in Lincoln.
A new cultural centre will open in Lincoln’s Cornhill Quarter on Friday 11 May, a space which will offer opportunities for the public to collaborate directly with artists. Local artists and creative people can apply to occupy the studio space for free. Information on how to apply can be found on the Mansions of the Future website.
Dr Andrew Jackson, Head of Research at BGU, spoke of his excitement over what the programme could offer the city:
“Bishop Grosseteste University is very excited to be supporting ‘Mansions of the Future’. This programme will see world-class artists and events coming to Lincoln through 2018 and 2019.
“It will be one of the most radical and impressive set of arts activities that the city has seen. We look forward to the involvement of BGU and its staff and students, and it is a great opportunity for local venues, groups and practitioners over the months ahead.”
The programme commences this week when artist Kathrin Böhlm occupies the new cultural centre and asks the people of Lincoln ‘What culture do we want?’ There will be a series of free maker-workshops where the public are invited to work together.
Visual artist Bridget Smith will present her work ‘Now It Is Permitted’ on hoardings and billboards across the city. The installations will include statements from invited artists, writers, musicians, playwrights and filmmakers.
Later in May Bonnie Wright, famous for playing Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter films, brings her short-film ‘Medusa’s Ankles’ to the city. The premiere will be uniquely displayed as a free public installation in a hair salon on Sincil Street. The film explores the shifts in power and visibility of middle aged women.
2019 highlights include actor, playwright and director Steven Berkoff staging his Lincoln-inspired play ‘Ritual in Blood’ with local amateur actors.
Mansions of the Future is supported by Arts Council England’s Ambitions for Excellence fund, Bishop Grosseteste University, the University of Lincoln, Lincoln City Council, Lincolnshire County Council, Lincoln BIG and Lincoln Cathedral, along with other members of the Lincoln Cultural and Arts Partnership including Visit Lincoln, The Lincoln College Group, Open Plan and Lincolnshire Co-op.