BEAT:TENT:HOOK
...a series of installations reflecting the majesty of machinery and the humanity of mass production...
Rossendale has a fascinating association with the textile industry which, although now largely disbanded, is responsible for much of the man-made geography, diverse society and demographic of the area today.
The once thriving textile industry in this area was lost in little over a generation meaning that many young people are unaware that the mills that once defined this area also employed relatives as close as their grandparents or even parents. Few talk about it and this important period of history is fast being forgotten.
This heritage has little meaning for young people and there is a danger that the mills, their collections and heritage will have little relevance to future generations. It is essential that young people are given the opportunity to develop understanding and sense of ownership of the textile story and its legacy.
Over the course of summer 2011, we engaged young people from the local area and worked with them to explore this rich cultural history and create an artwork based on our shared interpretation of its continued impact on their modern lives.
The project generated three large scale installed works that were exhibited at Helmshore Textile Museum in October and November 2011. One of these works, BEAM, subsequently travelled to Moscow as part of the Biennale of Young Art 2012.
www.beattenthook.org
