The Athenaeum is delighted to announce an innovative partnership with Smithdown Social Arts Hub, a vibrant creative arts social enterprise, to host a series of themed exhibitions featuring local artists. This ongoing project will showcase unique exhibitions from local talent, blending contemporary local artistry with Liverpool’s rich cultural art heritage.
For over 220 years, The Athenaeum has been a pillar of Liverpool’s business and cultural community. Now, this historic venue will welcome local artists, providing them with a prestigious platform to exhibit their work. The exhibitions will be carefully curated to highlight connections between modern artistic expressions and the extensive collection of artefacts within The Athenaeum, celebrating the city’s artistic legacy.
“This collaboration is an incredible opportunity for local artists to display their talents in a renowned setting, while also allowing the public to engage with Liverpool’s storied past through art,” said Brenda Monahan, Director at Smithdown Social Arts Hub. “We are grateful to The Athenaeum for their generous in-kind support, providing us with an exceptional venue that enhances the visibility and impact of our project.”
“We are delighted to be working with Smithdown Social Arts Hub to provide a platform to local artists within the Athenaeum for what is a first for the Club. We look forward to welcoming members of the public to the Athenaeum to enjoy these local pieces as well as taking in the artwork of local artists which have adorned our walls during many years of the Athenaeum’s history. Our thanks to Brenda Monahan in particular for her massive contribution towards this project,” said Roger Phillips, Chair of the Athenaeum.
Event highlights include:
- Themed Exhibition: The first exhibition will run for three months, showcasing a selection of local artists and their unique interpretations of the theme.
- Public Access: The public will have the opportunity to view the first exhibition on most Thursday and Friday evenings from 19th September to 29th November, with guests able to see historical artwork by local Liverpool artists and artefacts from The Athenaeum’s private collection.
- The Grand Newsroom: Public access will be granted during open evenings to view the historic artwork adorning the walls of this iconic room, and to socialise in a space where many of Liverpool’s greatest business minds historically gathered, sometimes for the appreciation of the arts.
The first exhibition will launch on Thursday, 12th September with a special opening event featuring live music, refreshments, and opportunities to meet the artists. Members of the press are invited to attend this exclusive event. Please RSVP to concierge@theathenaeum.org.uk.
The exhibition will open to the general public on 13th September. If you wish to attend this event as a buyer, please RSVP to hello@smithdownsocial.co.uk.
From 13th September, viewings can be organised via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-athenaeum-smithdown-social-arts-hub-exhibition-tickets-970514975417?aff=oddtdtcreator
