Rotherham livens up empty shop fronts

Here's a bit of Friday fun. Rotherham's got a well know grafittist (sorry, urban artist) to perk up some of its sad looking empty shop fronts on its High Street.

We've seen other landlords and councils sprucing up and disguising their empty units but these by Urban Canvas and commissioned by Rotherham Borough Council were particularly pretty and one of the best efforts I've seen, especially when you consider they have been empty for a whopping eight years.

http://www.estatesgazette.com/blogs/focus/2010/08/rotherham-livens-up-shop-fronts.html

IMPERIAL BUILDINGS SPRINGING BACK to LIFE

ROAR’s ‘Mini Arts Hub’ is the latest development in resurgence of historic landmark building.

Businesses already open and trading within the complex attracting more interest to their respective offers of high quality contemporary ladies fashion and jewellery.

Come in and browse!!!

Local artists have taken up residence in units in and surrounding the internal Central Kiosk in the Imperial Buildings. They will offer a range of contemporary fine art and fine craft including textiles, jewellery, hand made books, painting and photography and events throughout each month.

Karen Sherwood, Chief Executive, ROAR (Rotherham Open Arts Renaissance) said,
“I am delighted to be able to launch this initiative in such a fabulous building. The artists are very excited about this opportunity to have space to work, show and sell their unique pieces and services in such wonderful surroundings.”

Resident Artists:

Gemma Nemer – Contemporary textile artist
Anne Russell – artist specialising in fine art textiles and hand made books
Claire Reeves - interdisciplinary fine artist and jeweller
Shahin Shah – contemporary fine art and fine art textiles
Ann Rudd – ‘Point & Shoot Gallery’ - photography
The Design Consortium – John Young & Fiona Lockwood

Forfurther details or photos about Imperial Buildings,please contact Karen Sherwood on 01709 252535 or 07817 363310 or email Karen@rotherhamroar.org