Catapult 07: Recent Graduate work from Manchester Metropolitan University and The University of Salford.
29 October 2007 – February 2008 at Urbis, Manchester.
Urbis is set to reveal new talent from Manchester’s up and coming artists with a dynamic exhibition that will showcase over 70 pieces of some of the strongest and most innovative works to emerge from this year’s graduates from Manchester Metropolitan University and The University of Salford. From 29th October, Catapult 07 will exhibit the final work from students studying a huge array of Art and Design courses, including subjects such as Interactive Arts, Fashion, 3D Design, Textiles and Product Design.
The range of subjects studied by Manchester’s artists makes for a fascinating exhibition with a rich variety of subjects. It also created difficult decisions for Urbis’ staff and University Alumni who trawled the graduate art shows selecting original and imaginative work to make up Catapult 07. The standards were incredibly high and this year’s exhibition is set to be a great showcase of Manchester’s rising artists. Head of Creative Programmes at Urbis, Pollyanna Clayton-Stamm, stated,
“I am overwhelmed by the standard, variety and professionalism of the work submitted by the students this year. The quality is exceptional and we are really excited about pulling together a show which promises to have such great depth, from animation to architecture and product design and jewellery to interactive gaming!”
The scope of the exhibition is vast with exhibits including the Bog Standard Gallery, a portable toilet made in to a gallery of toilet signs from around the world by artist, Melanie Warner. The work of Lauren Mullarkey is another striking large-scale textile installation, made up of hundreds of balls of knitted wool strung from the ceiling. There’s also innovative fashion pieces such as a pleated dress by Louise Critchley, as well as beautifully executed illustration by Deanna Halsall.
As the title of the exhibition suggests this project acts as a spring board for those artists featured catapulting students into their professional practice. This is a much welcomed opportunity and is part of Urbis’ ongoing commitment to fostering local and emerging artistic talent. Exhibited artist, Vanessa Holt, who has created a site specific installation piece for the show, was thrilled to be selected to have her work displayed. She says,
"I feel inspired and excited about my involvement in the Catapult exhibition. To have been selected, and have my work on show in a prestigious, well known Manchester art gallery really does create enthusiasm… I feel the exhibition rewards my dedication towards my degree, and hopefully enhances my experience in the world of art."
Manchester has acted as an inspiration for a creative generation pushing the boundaries of contemporary arts practice. Catapult 07 will highlight the student’s ideas, practices and engagement with the city that surrounds them.
For further information and press images, contact Debbie Smith, Marketing Co-ordinator, Urbis. [email protected]. 0161 605 8237.
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Notes to editors:
Urbis, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester M4 3BG. Open daily 10am – 6pm and 10-8pm Thursday- Saturday Entry to Urbis is free. Tel: 0161 605 8200 [email protected] | www.urbis.org.uk
1. Urbis examines, explains and celebrates city life through the experiences and cultures of the people living there. It is about city lives, city voices and city people. With four floors of evolving displays, dedicated to the modern and future city, and an ambitious events programme, Urbis is about covering what’s new, original, and interesting about city life, and covering it first.
2. The £30m construction and development of Urbis was managed by Manchester City Council Special Projects Team and funded as part of the £42m Manchester Millennium Quarter by the Millennium Commission, the European Regional Development Fund, Manchester City Council and the Department of Local Government, Transport and the Regions (DLTR) and the North West development agency.