Trust Artists Unconditionally’ is an exhibition that explores the innovation of a series of flagship public art commissions initiated by Garter Lane Arts Centre and artist Garrett Phelan between 1995 and 1999. On streets, in football fields, a library and newspapers, artworks appeared without announcement or explanation – rather, they intervened into, confronted and contributed to the everyday life of the city. Phelan, alongside then Garter Lane director Annette Clancy, gave no title to the programme or identified any of the events or encounters that occurred explicitly as art. Bypassing established ways in which art typically appears in public and embracing unconventional approaches and risk taking, the impact of these artworks three decades on still seem revelatory, with an abiding belief in artists to act and find new ways to critique, celebrate and investigate society. ‘Trust Artists Unconditionally’ features contributions from each of the 6 artists involved in the programme, alongside documents unearthed from Garter Lane’s archives.
There will be a discussion & exhibition walkthrough at 6pm followed by official opening at 7pm with Sean Lynch, curator.