Developed in response to a crisis in studio provision, the ambition of the artists behind the new Paradise Works studio is to create a sustainable urban model for artist-led activity in the growing arts ecology across the city-region.

Formed in April 2017 with the support of Arts Council England and Tom Bloxham MBE, Chairman of Urban Splash, Paradise Works is now the home to 30 emerging and established contemporary artists working across creative disciplines.

Tom Bloxham MBE, Chairman – Urban Splash said: “Urban Splash are delighted to be able to support the artists at Paradise Works. Urban Splash has developed a long history of supporting arts initiatives like Ocean Studios in Royal William Yard, Plymouth and S1 Arts at Parkhill, Sheffield; and literally hundreds of temporary shows and exhibitions.”

He added:

“I believe that artists play a critical role in city centre life and it’s fantastic that we are able to help with this initiative.”

Jane Beardsworth, Director, Arts Council England, North said: “We’re very pleased that such a fine group of artists has found a new home in Paradise Works, further strengthening the network of independent practitioners in the locality and adding to the distinctive cultural mix that is making Salford such a magnet for creatives.”

Artists Hilary Jack and Lucy Harvey have spearheaded the formation of the new Paradise Works studios.

Hilary Jack, co-founder of Paradise Works said: “We set up Paradise Works just seven months ago in response to the crisis in studio provision for artists in Manchester. Artists want to be at the heart of cities and we strongly believe that the presence of artists adds to the diversity, vitality and economy of urban centres.

“Paradise Works is now an intergenerational group of thirty artists. We are really proud of our proactive membership which includes emerging and established artists working across all media. We have ambitious plans for the future and with support from our partners we’re hoping to secure our presence within the city.”

Paradise Works official launch weekend will take place from the 28-29 October with an open studios event when the public are welcomed in to see work in progress, a Saturday night event, and inaugural site responsive exhibition featuring work by all studio artists, The Politics of Paradise.

The inaugural exhibition is presented in the studio’s newly commissioned gallery space and across the building in site specific interventions and performance. The Politics of Paradise explores historic and contemporary notions of “paradise”, artists’ respond to their new home on the Salford and Manchester border, and to the utopian vision often attributed to, and compounded by artists.

Lucy Harvey, co-founder of Paradise Works said: ”This is our first large-scale public event and it’s an opportunity to welcome in the public and celebrate all that we’ve achieved so far.

“As an artist, it is vitally important to be surrounded by a creative community and to be able to connect and collaborate with a wider network of artists and organisations. We’re looking forward to programming our new gallery for 2018, establishing partnerships and developing opportunities for our studio artists. We’re excited to become part of the growing artist-led and independent cultural scene on the Manchester/Salford border that is putting the city-region on the map”

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