Art Slam for Charity at the Goods Yard

LOCAL artists are set to go head-to-head in a creative showdown at Stoke-on-Trent’s very first ‘Art Slam’.

Social impact developers Capital&Centric and local arts project Appetite are joining forces to put on the charity event at a warehouse at the Goods Yard from 7pm on Saturday 27 November. It’ll feature some of the area’s top creative talents creating masterpieces in front of a live audience.

Art Slam is a unique experience with art and DJ sets where people can watch local artists battle it out to create the most popular piece – with painting and pottery throwing on the bill.

With a competitive spin, the Slam sees the crowd judge the winner, with the art later auctioned off to support the artists and charity. The Stoke-On-Trent celebration will raise money for the Macari Foundation, a local charity that provides secure shelter and support for the homeless and people in need.

Capital&Centric is working with Stoke-on-Trent Council to bring forward £60m plans to transform the canal-side Goods Yard site into a new urban destination with homes, work places, café-bars and a new public square. Art Slam follows hot on the heels of the site recently playing host to the British Ceramics Biennial exhibition.

Tim Heatley, co-founder at Capital&Centric, said: “Art Slam represents everything we want for the future of the Goods Yard – a buzzing place where people can hang out and experience the best food, drink and cultural experiences that Stoke-on-Trent has to offer. A real community vibe. I can’t wait to see the Goods Yard site being enjoyed by the community and a real taste of things to come with our plans to deliver a new urban destination for the centre.”

Gemma Thomas, Appetite Director said: “Appetite is built upon partnership, and we’re looking forward to working with Capital & Centric on this new event for the area. The Goods Yard is an important new development for the city. It’s great to be working on the site, following on from the British Ceramics Biennial, to bring together a line-up of artists representing the visual art and ceramics scenes to create a real celebration of Stoke-on-Trent arts and culture. I can’t wait to see what they produce in 30mins – can you?”

Art Slam will take place at the Goods Yard, Glebe Street, Stoke-on-Trent. Tickets are on sale from £5

(Main image by Crispy Multimedia.)