A network of artists and creatives in Kent are staging a contemporary Art Market in Maidstone this Saturday. The member-run organisation, Making Art Work (MAW), has organised a day of artists’ stalls, live music and performances.
The day will culminate with a charity art auction hosted by Channel 4’s Raj Bisram (Four Rooms).
Eighty stalls will showcase and promote works by artists and makers from Kent and the South East – many of whom are exhibiting nationally and internationally – including Dawn Cole, Rennie Pilgrem, Linda Simon and Sara Wicks.
There will also be a programme of performances, from singers and dancers through to poets such as Bill Lewis of the notorious Medway Poets Group.
“This is a first for Maidstone, so I’m really excited to see so many talented artist-makers for across Kent and beyond all in one place in the historic market hall,” says Cathy Rogers, MAW co-founder and chair.
High-profile artists
The afternoon’s charity art auction boasts a number of works from high-profile artists and individuals including Billy Childish, Gavin Turk and the Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes. Proceeds will go to two charities, The Foundling Museum and Maidstone and Mid Kent Mind, and one of the works on auction is by Mind ambassador and artist, Stuart Semple. Secret bids can be placed online in advance of the live event.
“We have had such a massive response from everyone that I hope in the future it will become an annual or even a two-day event,” says Ali Farmer, Art Market’s project manager.
Since the Making Art Work network was first convened in 2011, it has instigated over 25 exhibitions, talks, residencies, workshops and screenings in Maidstone and the surrounding area. It has full IPS cooperative status and 35 members, many of whom are graduates of the University of the Creative Arts.
“We are located in Maidstone and for the last four years have been banging the drum for contemporary artists and quality visual arts in Maidstone,” says Rogers. “As an organisation we’ve attracted a lot of ambitious local artists – they want to develop their practice within a contemporary setting.”
Art Market takes place at Market Hall, Lockmeadow, Baker Road, Maidstone, Saturday 19 September, 9am-4pm (closing auction, 3-4pm)
