WIRRAL ARTS: New exhibition in Wirral unites two cultures in shared love of art

Sep 26 2012 by Linda Foo Guest, Birkenhead News

A NEW exhibition in Wirral has united two cultures in their shared love of art.

The show at the Williamson Art Gallery in Birkenhead is the result of a groundbreaking project between groups of students from Wirral Metropolitan College and the USA.

Earlier this year scholars from Brigham Young University in Utah worked on a collaborative project with the Wirral Met fine art department to foster an understanding of each other’s cultures via their work.

The Shared Ground project – a venture embracing book arts and printmaking – encouraged students from each side of the Atlantic to reveal how their own home towns and places they are familiar with have become significant in their lives.

Wirral Met hosted students and staff for almost two weeks and, as well as workshops, presentations and discussions, the American visitors were shown Wirral’s landmarks and places of interest to help bring the project to life.

The exhibition is a selection of the work produced by the two sets of students at the college’s Twelve Quays campus.

The relationship between Wirral and the USA has grown following a visit to Brigham Young University a couple of years ago initiated by fine art tutor Michelle Rowley.

College principal Sue Higginson said: “This particular link with Brigham Young University has enabled us to develop higher education in the arts while also allowing us to explore the cultural opportunities, richness and diversity which has been possible through our trip to Utah and their return visit to Wirral.

“Wirral Met’s art school was the first part of our college to become established and has been developing creative talent in Wirral for over 150 years.

“This particular project is a wonderful example of developing our links with students overseas.”

Shared Ground, Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Road, Birkenhead, until Nov 4, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm.