A Wolverhampton contemporary art gallery's initiative to support local artists with exhibition and studio space is going from strength to strength - thanks to Make:Shift.

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The Asylum Art Gallery in Chapel Ash, was established in May 2014 following a presentation to the City of Wolverhampton Council's ideas forum, which this year celebrates its fifth anniversary.

It generated support from the council's economic inclusion team to implement their proposal, and the gallery managed by Mental Spaces art organisation, has now hosted more than 40 exhibitions and been part of artistic events across the city such as Art's Fest, City of Sanctuary and Junction Festival.

Its latest exhibition - The Beat Goes On - runs until 6pm on Friday, and the following day this year's Make:Shift forum will be looking for more suggestions from people on how to change Wolverhampton with an idea and ventures related to their street, community and city.

The free event will take place at The Old School, 73 Dudley Road, Wolverhampton, WV2 3BY, between 10am and 4pm. To book your place visit Type=links;Linkid=7666;Title=Make:Shift 2016;Target=_blank;.

Asylum Art Gallery Assistant Curator, Emily Scarrott, said: "Make:Shift has enabled and encouraged strong bonds across Wolverhampton's creative community, inspiring important connections and vital developments within the Westside Artists' Quarter and actively contributing to the ongoing success of small organisations."

Asylum Art Gallery Art Director, Corin Stephenson-Salter, added: "As a direct consequence of Make:Shift our core team doubled and with the continuing support and good advice from Steve Poole in the economic inclusion team we became a registered Community Interest Company, that has put on over 40 exhibitions of local artists and many other cultural events."

Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "The ideas coming from Make:Shift, like the Asylum Art Gallery, are inspirational.

"The people of Wolverhampton never let us down when it comes to creativity - and we are delighted we can help foster the wealth of ideas put forward.

"I am sure this year will be no different and we can celebrate Make:Shift's fifth anniversary in style."

For more information about Make:Shift please contact Sam Axtell (Tuesdays to Thursdays) on 01902 554918 or email sam.axtell2@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

  • released: Tuesday 11 October, 2016