Launch of Space Park Leicester inaugural art exhibition
More than 70 people attended an event to mark the start of an action-packed month of activities for residents, organisations and businesses at Space Park Leicester.
The £100 million research institute welcomed 72 guests on Tuesday, October 4 at the opening of the inaugural Space Park Art exhibition.
To celebrate the beginning of World Space Week 2022, people were given the opportunity to view the 30 works of art selected for the Space: Science and Nature themed display.
Professor Martin Barstow, Professor or Astrophysics and Space Science welcomed guests.
He said: “Art is a key component in the process of innovation: Space Park wants to ensure the ‘A’ of art is always included alongside Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, to make STEAM. You only have to think of Leonardo da Vinci’s ideas to recognise that art is an important part of human intervention. We started Space Park Art to continue this idea.”
Robin Sewell, a retired Senior Lecturer in BA Fine Art, was awarded the Distinguished Artist prize for his work “Casts”. He describes the dry compound with emery on panel as “Minute writhing beings create a ‘memory shadow’ within a vibrating cymatic field.”
Leicester-based artists Matthew Turner and Loz Atkinson, who create astronomical and technology-based artwork helped to judge the entries. Loz Atkinson also unveiled her special commission, Fractal Nebula, to commemorate 60 years of space exploration and research by the University of Leicester.
Visitors were also greeted by the ambient sounds of a playlist created by composer Paul Alty specially for the event. Listen here.
The private viewing marked the start of a number of events based around the exhibition taking place this month which include school and college workshops and a Community Day. Cosmic Coffee events, meetings and conferences are also taking place.
Members of the public will have the opportunity to view the exhibition and take part in various activities at a Community Day taking place on Monday, October 17 between 3:30pm and 7:30pm.
From taking a tour of the facilities, taking part in craft activities to seeing moon samples at Show and Tell stands and learning about Leicester’s involvement in the James Webb Space Telescope; there will be lots to enjoy.
Those wishing to attend the free event need to confirm their attendance via Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/3V752M3.
Space Park Leicester has been designed to support increased collaboration between University of Leicester researchers and educators and the private sector, creating high quality knowledge-based jobs, building the skills base through training, and contributing to economic growth and resilience of the economy.
The project is led by the University of Leicester in partnership with Leicester City Council and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP).
