By Joshua Robinson –
Service users at Bespoke Day Services have been working with local photographer Dawn Robinson to create artwork which is on display in two phone boxes in Heckmondwike.
The classic phone boxes have been repurposed into galleries by the local organisation Keep Hecky Tidy in a bid to bring colourful art to the town centre.
Inspired by the original use of phone boxes to send messages and be used by the community, Bespoke Day Services researched visual signs, symbols and colours to create this unique exhibition. It aims to say “hello!” to shoppers in the town centre, and encourage people to “stay happy” and “stay strong.”
The project was managed by local arts organisation Creative Scene which is based in Dewsbury as part of their ‘Seasons in a Box’ callout. Creative Scene produces and commissions art across Kirklees in a bid to make art part of everyday life.
Pam Lonsdale, Keep Hecky Tidy, said: “ We are extremely pleased to be working with Creative Scene to bring another great phone box exhibition to Heckmondwike. The vibrant and colourful display created by Bespoke Day Services and Dawn totally transforms what was an eye sore into a highlight of the town.”
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Henry Raby, Participation & Engagement Lead for Creative Scene, said: “It’s been an honour and a delight to work with Keep Hecky Tidy, the talented artist Dawn Robinson and the individuals from Bespoke Day Services to create this very special exhibition. We hope that the exhibition brings a smile to peoples faces and brightens up their day when visiting the town centre.”
Dawn Robinson, Photographer, added: “I am so impressed with the results! Everyone fully engaged with the theme and the work produced is as a result of their wonderful enthusiasm and desire to be involved with the project.”
Dawn Robinson specialises in people photography and is based in Cleckheaton. She can be commissioned to work for families, schools, community groups and pets alike.
Visit Dawn Robinson’s website at: https://dawnrobinson.co.uk/
Bespoke Day Services is based on Halifax Road in Liversedge and supports adults with learning disabilities.
The Phone Box Gallery is now open and available to view in Heckmondwike town centre from now until the beginning of 2024.
To learn more about Creative Scene, please visit: https://www.creativescene.org.uk/