The Pearls & The Oyster

The environment

Visitors were encouraged to use public transport to our central location, especially those travelling from Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffiled and Cumbria. Many took the train or walked or came to us by bus, some car shared where possible coming form Blackpool and Lancaster, we make an exception for the person who travelled from the Outer Hebrides!

The local economy

The extensive use of public transport, some coming to Preston for the first time to our events but made a note to return when other cultural sites were open again, like The Harris. They also expressed interest in the Market and many went there to visit and purchase during the break in our day events and also enjoyed the shops en-route from the train station to The Birley.

Volunteering, jobs & education

Many students visited from Ulan and other local institutions, to both talks and exhibitions, some returning more than once. I gave free tours and talks of the exhibition on Saturdays and some of the students invigilated the exhibition for us (paid).

Arts, culture & heritage

We have strengthened, beyond expectation the exisiting 10 year heritage of The Birley Studios & Project Space. Being the only contemporary arts space in the city, supporting and nurturing the creative and cultural community, providing diverse and professional contemporary art and learning events through our project. Highlighting the abundance of crtical, female painters we have in the North of England and how lucky we have been to share all of that amazing work and experience here in Preston and to pay our artists to join us. We have been proud to bring new audiences and artists to the people of Preston and a new destination on the contemporary british painting landscape.

Activity, health and leisure

Arts and culture events always provide an opportunity for community, conversation and collaboration. They open up opportunities to become emersed and educated. The possibility to see and hear about the work of artists from all over the North of England coming to Preston has allowed a leveling and accessibilty to everyone in a difficult economic climate. Our project space is on the ground floor as are all our gallery spaces and our (facilities), we are lucky to capture the attention of all of the passing pedestrian traffic. We have welcomed audiences with disabilities throughout our project, highlighting and celebrating or accessibility and minfulness to make all of our events accessible to everyone on our eventbrite publicity.