Member Article

International artists sign up to exhibit at #wearmima

TWELVE highly acclaimed jewellery artists from around the world have agreed to exhibit their extraordinary pieces as part of the interactive #wearmima project.

More than 20 pieces by the international artists will be involved in #wearmima, members of the public could have a unique opportunity to wear pieces from mima’s collection which are usually encased and unavailable to touch.

Those selected to wear the jewellery will also have the chance to create a haul video blog and appear on The Space, a pioneering on-demand digital service.

The #wearmima interactive exhibition includes statement jewellery and accessories such as Willem Honing’s necklace, which is made out of tar, Giovanni Corvaja’s gold spun bracelet, Gijs Bakker’s laminated necklace, a popular culture smiley brooch by Alexander Blank, Sigurd Bronger’s sponge brooch and Felieke van der Leest’s pirate-inspired necklace and bracelet.

Also included are a selection of rings by Karl Fritsch, Hans Stofer and Atelier Ted Noten, as well as a range of brooches by Otto Künzli, and bracelets by Marjorie Schick and Marga Staartjes.

Rachel French, development manager at mima, said: “We are extremely honoured that all twelve artists, who have all enjoyed international acclaim, have agreed for their jewellery to be included in #wearmima.

“The 21 exquisite pieces of jewellery will for the first time be available for members of the public to wear and enjoy. #wearmima is enabling us to reach out to a new young audience by making art interactive, fun and fashionable.”

At a special selection day being held at mima in Centre Square, Middlesbrough, on Saturday, May 5 between noon and 3pm the public are invited to view the jewellery and state on camera why they would like to wear their favourite exhibit.

A limited number of people will then be invited to return to mima in mid-May to film a ‘haul’ video blog while wearing the jewellery, which will be broadcast online around the world. Haul videos are a recent fashion phenomenon in which people post videos online showing off their purchases.

mima is one of 53 successful UK applicants for Arts Council funding to make content which will be available on The Space, a new arts channel from the Arts Council and BBC.

The Space is a new way to experience the arts. For six months, running from May to October 2012this year, The Space will showcase some of the most exciting arts events across the UK, giving audiences access to these events through computers, tablets, smart phones or connected TV.

Featuring live performances, specially created digital events, full length productions, behind the scenes documentaries and interactive content, The Space is all about breaking down boundaries and creating a totally new way for the public and artists to engage.

With free on demand content from some of the most respected and innovative names in the UK arts scene, The Space offers a glimpse for of the future, where great art can be experienced when you want it, wherever you are.

For more information about #wearmima and the selection day on May 5 please visit www.facebook.com/wearmima or contact Rachel French on Rachel_french@middlesbrough.gov.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah Morrison .