Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG) is leading a call out to the Exmouth community to join a new project to rejuvenate a section of the Exmouth seafront, known as the Abode of Love.
The community, including local artists and creatives, is being asked to share how they see Exmouth and want to shape its creative journey.
A panel including local artist Anna Fitzgerald, designer Gary Cook, Councillor Joe Whibley, THG and local business owners will select 50 of the respondents to ‘make their mark’ on the Abode of Love.
The Abode of Love is a 342 feet long flood defence in Exmouth, East Devon. The area is popular with local residents and tourists, who use the defence’s nine bays for everything from sheltering from the sun to picnics and music practice.
In 2019, East Devon District Council invited Thelma Hubert Gallery (THG) to develop an ambitious arts commission for the area, to complement new waterfront developments.
The project was originally meant to be part of a wider initiative celebrating Exmouth, placing culture and creativity at its heart. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, the project could no longer go ahead; however THG and artist Anna Fitzgerald are pledging their commitment to develop a creative response to Exmouth.
Fitzgerald will now create site-specific commission To be continued…, with the community of Exmouth collectively transforming the walls of the Abode of Love.
This commission will pave the way towards a dynamic, participatory public art project planned for 2021, when partners and groups will come together to help shape and inform a new commission. They will include Exmouth Town Council, East Devon District Council, Exmouth Artists and young people from Exmouth schools and communities groups.
To get involved with the Abode of love project, please email info@thelmahulbert.com. A survey will be sent, to be completed by 26th July, and successful applicants will notified by 3rd August.