Salford-based exhibition and project space The International 3 has announced it will close later this year, with directors Laurence Lane and Paulette Terry Brien also bringing their 25-year collaborative working partnership to a conclusion.
Brien will take up the role of curator at the Grundy Art Gallery, Blackpool, in November, whilst Lane will continue his creative practice through Forest School Leadership and other freelance activities.
The International 3’s programme has included commissions, solo shows, group exhibitions and events, both on and off-site. Working with a core group of artists, it has taken part in national and international art-fairs, and also brokered exhibition and private commission opportunities through its consultancy.
Explaining their decision, the duo said: “The decision to close The International 3 has not been easy. However we both feel that together we have taken the organisation as far as we can and we are keen to independently explore new avenues.
“Our long-standing friendship means that we will continue to be involved in each other’s lives and our long-standing commitment to the north west means we will continue to be involved in the creative life of the region.”
The not for profit company has been the ongoing curatorial coordinator for The Manchester Contemporary, an annual art-fair in Manchester, since 2009. While the 2017 edition, which sees the fair moving to the historic Manchester Central exhibition space, will be The International 3’s last as curatorial coordinator, Brien will continue her engagement with the fair as a member of its steering committee.
Brien and Lane added: “When we began working together in October 1992 we had no idea that we were setting off on a 25-year journey. Over that time, we have had the great pleasure of working with so many different artists and collaborators. These artists have inspired, challenged and humbled us with the quality of their ideas and their willingness to share and trust us with their practice.”
The Manchester Contemporary takes place at Manchester Central, 27 – 29 October. For more information visit: www.themanchestercontemporary.co.uk
Image:
Paulette Terry Brien chairing the Fair Cities symposium as part of The Manchester Contemporary, 2016. Photo: courtesy of The Manchester Contemporary, 2016
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