Alternate a Big Success

What can you do with thirty artists, an enormous empty space and one day?

Alternate, took place in January of this year when The Exchange in Penzance handed over its impressive gallery space for a day to artists based in the South West. Artists turned up from all around the region with their paintings, video, sculptures and installations, setting up in their two metre space with an air of excitement and perhaps trepidation. Was this going to feel like a terrifying crit from college days or a group hug? Splitting into five groups for the afternoon, the invited artist hosts, Andy Harper, Steven Paige, Andy Whall, Lisa Wright, and Alex Schady soon had people relaxed into talking about their work and practice. The afternoon closed with discussions around how artists can build their own communities. Questions were also raised concerning professional practice with a universal call for more opportunities like Alternate where artists can get together to talk about their work. Participants then headed down to The Penzance Arts Club for a well earned drink and to continue the valuable conversations and connections made during the day.

"The group discussion was fabulous-the criticism excellent and helpful, I feel I know exactly which direction I'm going!" (Alternate participant)

"Incredibly valuable" (Alternate participant)

"Nor at all intimidating" (Alternate participant)

"Being at The Exchange was a great experience especially having the opportunity to see my work hung in this kind of space." (Alternate participant)

Alternate was a collaborative event between Creative Skills, Alias, NSA and Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange.