Art gallery plans for Barnstaple town centre

Temporary art installation will form part of college’s month-long cultural festival

THE centre of Barnstaple is set to be turned into a giant art gallery as part of exciting plans for a five-week festival of culture taking place later this year.

The celebration of local talent will go on show to the public during this year’s Culture Shock event, taking place from February 25 to April 2.

Schools, voluntary groups and local businesses are all being invited to take part in the event, which is being organised by staff and students at Petroc and aims to promote cultural diversity in North Devon.

Culture Shock coordinator, Michael Ryan, said the event, now in its fourth year, will feature a host of activities centred around the college’s campuses in Barnstaple and Tiverton.

“We want to involve as many towns and villages as we can and work closely with individuals and groups right across the region,� he said.

“Our aim is to create a programme from the ground up, responding to what people tell us they’d like to see, as well as including some ideas of our own.

“We want to celebrate the achievements of young people of all ages, and from all backgrounds, and to cover as many different types of activity as possible, including the arts, sciences, engineering, maths, technology, sport, and heritage.�

Culture Shock events will be based on five main weekly themes reflecting different parts of the world. Week one will focus on the UK, with following weeks reflecting cultures in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australasia and the Americas.

“The event’s two main concepts will be cultural diversity and local talent,� added Mr Ryan.

“We’ll be announcing a full programme in the coming weeks but in the meantime, anyone with any ideas or suggestions for events they’d like to see included can email me at michael.ryan@petroc.ac.uk.�