Malvern Theatres new Priory Park Mural Project is now officially open, with many of the contributing local artists taking part in the unveiling of the outdoor exhibition.
The brand-new alfresco art gallery, which runs alongside the perimeter of the building works at Priory Park in the heart of Malvern, has attracted a wide selection of talented artists, creative community groups and schools all taking part in the milestone £20 million redevelopment project at the theatre. The Priory Park Mural Project has been created to showcase the creativity and imagination of local people, while contributing to the conversation on the exciting transformation of Malvern Theatres.
“The new artworks, created by people working across artistic spheres, demonstrate the richness of talent we have in our immediate community. The exhibition is here to be enjoyed by people visiting Priory Park whilst the redevelopment of the theatre is ongoing but also reflects the aspirations of that project. When complete, it will be a place of creative opportunity and community enrichment, a new arts centre for Malvern and a cultural asset in the region for generations to come.”
Fred Moroni, Chief Executive Officer at Malvern Theatres
The stunning selection of hand-picked designs span various genres and many take their inspiration from the local landscape and its history and heritage. Others are influenced by architecture, travel, people and places. The end result is an eclectic selection of bold and expressive artworks that celebrate creativity, connection and joy.
Contributing artists, Gabe Taylor and Anya Mullett commented:
“For our piece, Spirit of the Spring, we thought about the essence of Malvern and what brings the local community together. We were inspired by the recent well dressing festival in which we attended, deciding to pay homage to the iconic Holly Well, and the famous feminine figure that resides over it.
We want our mural piece to become a piece of local folklore, bringing the well woman alive as a water spirit, looking over Malvern’s spring. The ‘Spirit of the Spring’ is painted in an Art Noveau style, referencing Malvern’s ties to the Art movement. We intend to blend bright vibrant colours with more muted tones to make a piece that is pleasing on the eye, keeping in line with the colourful energy that Malvern Theatre is already putting out into the world.”
The theatre’s redevelopment project is progressing well with leading regional contractors Speller Metcalfe, and is designed by award-winning architects Burrell Foley Fischer, who have an enviable reputation for specialising in cultural projects, combining creative vision with technical expertise to deliver inspiring and functional spaces.
The brand-new world-class venue will see a new 240-seat studio theatre, improvements to the forum theatre, workshop spaces, and a community amphitheatre, plus an upgraded park-side entrance which will enhance access to the theatres.
