Stories

For anyone in Stoke interested in contemporary art, contemporary performance and particularly the re-establishment of Stoke on the cutting edge of creativity, the launch party for the Conjunction exhibition in May ’06 was a landmark event.

It took place at the AirSpace gallery, just off Old Town Road in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent.

Launch party: May ‘06

The feeling of the launch party in May was unlike any other exhibition launch of recent times in Stoke, perhaps ever. Much less akin to the polite society reflective wine and nibbles type of private view, this had the feeling of a creative collective of young people showcasing a wide variety of talent in Stoke.

Inside the venue there was performance art, two dimensional art, and innovative music from local and national musicians. Outside, graffiti artists decorated the walls.

Later in the night DJ’s, local freestyle MC’s and improvisatory musicians took to the stage. It had the feeling of an artistic community rather than that of an audience at a show.

In all it was extremely exciting, with a real sense that Stoke could be re-established on the cutting edge of creativity.

The issue is not with talent as Stoke has a wealth of talented contemporary artists (many coming from the respected Fine Art course at Staffordshire University), interesting musicians and committed young curators. The problem was a motivating force to bring them together and a focal point that could be their home.

The Conjunction Group and AirSpace

This motivating force was David Bethell and Andy Branscombe, co-founders of Conjunction. They set up the group in 2002 whilst in the first year of University studying Fine Art.

They realised the lack of opportunities for student’s to exhibit outside the University and wished to establish a group to counter this. And from the beginning, they envisioned a collective of artistic peoples involved in all areas of the arts.

The focal point for their activities is AirSpace, Falcon Works, Old Town Road, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent. It is a disused building which they got with the help of Mike Wolfe.

They tidied out what was originally a very dirty space - its courtyard with bottle kiln, large main space and collection of smaller, sometimes bizarre rooms it makes for the perfect slightly eccentric space for this undertaking.

*AirSpace Update*

The AirSpace gallery has now moved to a new building in Broad Street, Hanley. You can find updated information on the following link: