The Stretch ‘art box’ has landed at Newgate Gap Shelter in Margate
The first installation comes from The Libertines’ Albion Rooms and resident artist Chu
The Stretch ‘art box’ has landed at Newgate Gap Shelter in Margate.
The temporary outdoor structure will be used to display poster art over the next two years, with the first installation coming from The Libertines’ Albion Rooms and resident artist Chu.
The internationally renowned artist has worked with some of the most culturally influential people of our time, such as Banksy and Jamie Hewlett. And very soon Newgate Gap Shelter will be the place to see his work.
Arts charity Stretch, which took on the seafront structure from Thanet District Council last year, is the driving force behind the art box and was granted planning permission in September.
The structure is now complete and the official unveiling of the first installation - which will cover the box from ‘top to bottom and side to side’ - is scheduled for December 19.
Dean Stalham, curator of the Stretch Outsider Art Gallery (@stretchoutsiderart), says the box is booked up for the next six months, with installations from French artist JR, Margate artist Charlie Everisto- Boyce with an ‘Amazing box’ and a ‘Love box’ by the new Love Cafe in Margate.
Each will take over the Stretch box for a month to showcase their art work.
Mr Stalham says the structure is already turning heads and the first installation isn’t even up yet.
“It’s a focal point and people want to know what’s going on there,” he said. “It’s going to be emblazoned with poster art and from the sea walk and the road it will look amazing.”
He says they have contacted Tracey Emin and renowned artist Bob and Roberta about exhibiting there and are also inviting local artists interested in displaying their work to get in touch.
Long term plans for the site are to create the first outsider art museum and gallery.
Stretch is a charity which delivers art projects with vulnerable and marginalised people, such as ex-prisoners, homeless and young people in care.
For more information about the Stretch Outsider Art Gallery see www.outsiderartfestival.com
