In pictures: Blackpool Arts Department
When artist Adrian Pritchard moved back to Blackpool from London, there was very little in the way of contemporary art in the resort. He decided to do something about it and so founded BAdept, the Blackpool Arts Department
With support from the Arts Council, it promotes the arts in Blackpool via exhibitions, workshops and a residency programme. The Badept Gallery (above) shows a piece of artwork by artist Joshua Tennant
Adrian believes Badept is helping to put Blackpool on the map for art like other seaside towns such as St Ives and Brighton and hopes one day people will flock to Blackpool for the art as well as the tourist attractions
"Blackpool has something special to offer," says Adrian. "It truly is an inspirational place; it's unique and diverse with many sub worlds to explore." Above: String theory with Kai Pritchard
This painting is by Badept's artist in residence, Helena Ben Zenou. As well as producing artworks based on her research of Blackpool and the Fylde coast, she is also lecturing and conducting workshops as part of her role
The Badept has been the launchpad for local artists such as Michael Cassidy who has been selected for a Jerwood Painting prize. "Michael plays with the notion of painting and performance and his work is both humorous and thought provocative," says Adrian
Clare Chapman is another artist who has had her artwork showcased by Badept. She is pictured here with one of her paintings 'Reverie' which is part of the project's Phantasmagoria exhibition
As well as promoting local artists, Adrian's work is also featured in Badept events. Adrian 'captures motion' in his paintings using pouring techniques
He uses various techniques such as pouring on a single point on a flat canvas before spinning to disperse the colours. Adrian explains: "The result is something attractive, colourful and unpredictable to the viewer"
He also produces kinetic art installations using viscous materials to perform live process art. "I'm not trying to create the illusion of motion, just representing matter as it is and creating the arena for events to unfold."
"Watching paint dry has never been so interesting!" laughs Adrian
Above: The Culture Shop proposal for Church Street, Blackpool. While exhibition proposals are by invitation, artists are welcome to send in their CVs/portfolios. See www.badept.info for more details and news of events