A disused terraced house in Bensham, Tyneside, which is scheduled for demolition, is to briefly enjoy a radical new life – as a contemporary art gallery. The property – a converted fair of flats – is playing host to a unique project inspired by the changes being brought about in the local area and carried out by members of Behsham’s growing art community.
The project – Nest – will open this Saturday (26 March) before permanently closing again next Wednesday. The properties are scheduled for demolition as part of a scheme to redevelop the area and create much-needed new family homes.
Each of the rooms in the property has been converted into an individual work of art inspired by the empty house and the changing environment beyond. There is an intriguing variety of work on display at Nest, highlighting not only the growing art community in the area but also the wide range of voices having their say.
Gateshead is acquiring a reputation for creating new art in unexpected places. The recent Shop Art project has seen disused shop fronts in Gateshead town centre converted into works of art, and The Shed in Gateshead’s High Street is currently providing rent and rate-free workspace for up to 36 local artists and creative entrepreneurs.
Nest has given local artists such as Jo Scandrett, whose installation entitled Found: No.5 Dunsmuir Grove showcases an assortment of seemingly nondescript items left in the house by previous occupants, Araminta Swan, whose Welcome to My Parlour relates to tea parties, traps and cocoons and David Goard whose Time and Tide is a response to the physical and social changes in Bensham the chance to express what is happening in their area.
Nest is located at 5/7 Dunsmuir Grove, off Saltwell Road in Gateshead and will be open to the public on Saturday 26 March from 11.00am until 4.00pm, and on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 1.00pm until 7.00pm. For more information please visit www.gateshead.gov.uk
