The renowned Dean Clough destination in Halifax has recently seen the grand opening of a new community art school, courtesy of the Arts Charity at Dean Clough (ACDC). This new institution, inaugurated by the Mayor of Calderdale, Councillor Ann Kingstone, is located in one of Dean Clough’s historic mill buildings and aims to make art more accessible to the public, schools, and diverse community groups.
The art school is a significant addition to ACDC’s extensive arts programme, which already includes six free art galleries, a dynamic exhibition schedule, and 27 art studios. The resident artists at Dean Clough cover a wide spectrum of disciplines, including sculpture, printmaking, painting, photography, watercolour, abstract art, modernist painting, jewellery making, broadcasting, writing, illustration, embroidery, and even music.
Over the years, Dean Clough and ACDC have built strong partnerships with educational institutions like Calderdale College, local schools, community groups, and organisations supporting mental health and wellbeing. The art school, located in the refurbished Fletcher’s Mill, offers a variety of arts activities and courses for the public and local community groups. It particularly welcomes special groups, including those living with dementia, the elderly, individuals facing mental health challenges, and corporate customers. ACDC artists will be conducting workshops and courses for these groups.
Inaugural biennial exhibition launched at Dean Clough
Alongside the opening of the art school, Mayor Ann Kingstone also launched the ACDC Dean Clough Artists’ Inaugural Biennial Exhibition. This event, hosted in the Crossley Gallery, features new works from esteemed local artists.
Among the notable artists featured are:
- Chris Mould, an illustrator for children’s publishing, with notable clients including Oxford University Press, HarperCollins, BBC, Channel 4, DreamWorks, and Ardman Animations.
- Jessica Aldred, an embroiderer who has worked with the Royal Opera House and was part of the team that created the embroidery for Princess of Wales’ wedding dress and veil, as well as projects for the King’s Coronation.
- Doug Binder, a painter renowned since the sixties as one of the ‘Young Contemporaries’ and a co-founder of the iconic underground design group Binder, Edwards & Vaughan.
- Tom Wood, a painter known for his numerous portrait commissions, including those of Professor Lord Robert Winston and Alan Bennett at the National Portrait Gallery, London, as well as a portrait of HRH Prince of Wales on permanent display at Dean Clough.
Mayor Ann Kingstone expressed her delight at the opening, stating, “The ACDC Community Art School embodies our shared belief that art is a powerful force for transformation. It is a testament to our commitment to fostering creativity, nurturing talent, and providing opportunities for all, regardless of age or background.”
She also praised the Biennial Exhibition as a “vibrant showcase of the immense talent and creativity that thrives within our community,” highlighting the rich diversity and innovative spirit of the borough.
Upcoming events and access information
The Dean Clough Artist Biennial Exhibition runs until 13th October 2024 and is free to visit. Further details about other exhibitions and artist talks are available on the Arts Charity Dean Clough’s website.
September talks include:
- 7 September 2024: Frank Darnley, Jo Brown, and Chris Mould.
- 11 September 2024: A group of Dean Clough artists discuss their work as part of Halifax Heritage Week.
- 21 September 2024: Sam Clayton, Linda Brill, and Tom Wood.
- 28 September 2024: Jo Gorner, Claire Murray, and Jeffery Andrews.
Dean Clough is easily accessible by public transport, and there is ample parking available on-site, free of charge at weekends. The site also boasts a range of restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops.
For details and booking options for the art school courses, as well as more information about the exhibition, visit ArtsCharityDeanClough.org.
