Community art project Momentary Arts sets up shop in vacant unit in New Brighton Marine Point development

Jan 23 2013 by Lorna Hughes, Wallasey News

A COMMUNITY art project has set up shop in a vacant unit in New Brighton’s Marine Point development.

New Brighton resident Carl Leckey came up with the idea to use empty spaces in the area to create art displays from and by the community.

His idea won support from Marine Point developer Neptune, who allowed the project to use a 5,000 sq ft unit between the Seahorse pub and the Travelodge hotel.

The Momentary Arts Project (MAP), as it is now called, launched last month with a colourful window display depicting a seascape.

It includes buoys, boats, buckets, flippers and fins, with fish created from recycled plastic by Wirral artists and pupils of Mosslands School in Wallasey.

Mr Leckey said: “I had the dream and it became true when Danny from the Marine Point organisation agreed to my request for the use of an unoccupied unit in the new development.

“The dream could have become a nightmare as I didn't have a clue how to organise what I envisaged.

“But rescue was at hand in the guise of some wonderful artists and enthusiasts. With their expertise and excellent planning combined with hard work the Momentary Art Project was born.”

Mr Leckey promised phase two of the project, currently a closely-guarded secret, would “blow your socks off”.

Organisers say that, when a business leases the unit, MAP will move into another empty space in New Brighton.

There are also plans to offer art and craft workshops, demonstrations and talks.

Neptune and H&S Joinery donated materials to the project to create the first display. Old diving gauges were contributed by Wirral Sports and Leisure, with MDF taken from leftover materials for one of the new restaurants in Marine Point.

Collection points for fins were set up with Veolia Environmental services at three local recycling centres.

Daniel Hynd, from Neptune Developments, said: “We are delighted to be working with the Momentary Arts Project on this exciting new community concept.

“The group have some exciting ideas that will no doubt bring more visitors to New Brighton, and will create a location for local artists to show off their talents.”

Follow the project’s progress at www.momentaryartproject.blogspot.co.uk