Express & Star

Goldie artwork among pieces at three-day arts fair in Wolverhampton

A three-day arts fair kicks off today with a piece by Walsall-born actor and singer Goldie among the works on show.

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Art collective Mental Spaces, being staged at Newhampton Arts Centre in Wolverhampton, has gathered together the best in local talent.

It follows on from a successful event in December, which included art work from former Wolves defender-turned-artist Jody Craddock.

The latest contemporary art fair is called 'I Am _' and focuses on artists expressing their personal identity.

Hannah Mary, project co-ordinator, said: "So many people from Wolverhampton are challenging identity, especially because it's such a multicultural and diverse area, it seemed appropriate to go with this theme.

"Around 30 artists will be involved, but that's not including musicians, dancers, poets and rappers.

"There will be transgender work, feminist work, people celebrating their cultural background and political stuff too.

"There's not many other places offering the opportunity for artists to come together like this.

"New cultural identities will come from people sharing their personal experiences whatever their background is, so to me it feels like a beautiful way of incorporating everything."

"There will also be information points at the festival as there will be lots of artists turning up who don't know about some of the local organisations that exist that can help them."

Many of the works will be for sale with the artists present, allowing the public to speak directly to the artists.

Amongst the work included will be an original 'Goldie' aka Clifford Joseph Price, which has remained unseen at the NAC for over 20 years and comprises four 8' X 4' boards.

The arts fair plays part in a larger project from the emerging Westside artist's quarter centred around Chapel Ash.

The revamp of NAC means there is now room for films to be screened at the event and it has recently emerged the Wolverhampton Beer Festival will be held at NAC instead of the Wulfrun Hall in June.

I Am _ opens from 6pm today and runs until 5pm on Sunday, April 3 at the Newhampton Arts Centre, Dunkley Street, for more information go to www.theasylumartgallery.com.

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