ASSIGN Art Group

ASSIGN News & Updates

01.02.12 - ASSIGN artists - METRO TOTEMS ON TOUR

After the celebrated installation during the Summer of 2011 in the Bridge Gallery at Tynemouth Railway/Metro station, the Metro Totems artwork 'travelled' to Nile Street in the heart of Sunderland's 'Cultural Quarter'. A new presentation at Studio Q hosted and supported by Frank Styles and featuring Sophie Lisa Beresford, who choreographed a special creative routine built around and incorporating the Metro Totems.

(ASSIGN artists: Tony Redman, Decia Morris (joint curators), Dick Rainer, Bill Harris, Fred Fowler, Frank Styles, Alex Surtees, Angela Rogerson, Pat Thirtle, Cathy Duncan)

Sophie performs her 'Radical' choreography at Studio Q!

"MetroTotems" re- located at "Q"

Murals by Frank Styles form an enhanced backdrop to Totems at "Q"

"MetroTotems" in new setting at "Q"

Totems installed for a fresh approach at "Q"

"Metro Totems" with choreography by Sophie at "Q"

"Totems" at the final curtain!

Many thanks to Studio Q and host Frank Styles!

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28.01.12 - Updates to Artists Section

ASSIGN would like to welcome Barry Leake to the site's artists section. New images and information are available to view by clicking here.

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09.11.11 - Thank You!

The ASSIGN art group would like to thank all artists who participated in October's open online gallery event (in collaboration with The Big Draw). All contributions were greatly appreciated and are still available to view by clicking on the above banner.

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04.10.11 - Updates to Artists Section

ASSIGN artist Richard Rainer's page has been updated with new images. Click here to view.

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01.10.11 - ASSIGN / BIG DRAW ONLINE GALLERY - Now Online!

The first selection of images received from participating artists is now available - click here to view or alternatively, click the above banner. Please visit regularly for further updates.

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12.09.11 - ASSIGN / BIG DRAW ONLINE GALLERY

A reminder that ASSIGN is still accepting images for the open online gallery project, in collaboration with The Big Draw. Participation is open to artists worldwide and of all age groups. Please send max two jpeg images (drawings) via email to artwork@assign-art.co.uk, including name of artist, title of work, materials used etc (for accreditation). Jpeg images will be displayed on this space from 01.10.11.

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01.07.11 - METRO TOTEMS: Further Updates

Artists statements from the latest ASSIGN event Metro Totems (currently taking place at Tynemouth Station Bridge until 05.08.11 and showcasing the work of 12 participating ASSIGN artists) are now available to view by clicking here.

Click here for a further selection of images.

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01.07.11 - THE JOURNAL - Tynemouth Station hosting Metro Totems exhibition

There are some things you might expect to see on a trip to the North East coast – gulls, boats, fish and chip shops maybe. It is likely totem poles would not figure on your list.

But Tynemouth Station has thrown up many surprises since the bridge between the platforms started to be used as an unusual but highly effective walk-past exhibition space.

Full Article

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25.06.11 - ASSIGN / BIG DRAW ONLINE GALLERY

Announcing the second annual ASSIGN open online gallery project, in collaboration with The Big Draw. Participation is open to artists worldwide and of all age groups. Please send max two images (drawings) via email to artwork@assign-art.co.uk, including name of artist and title of work for accreditation. Jpeg images will be accepted from now until 30.09.11, and displayed on this space from 01.10.11.

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25.06.11 - Sunniside Art Fair

ASSIGN will be taking part in the Sunniside Art Fair at Sunniside Gardens, Sunderland on 02.07.11, from 9.30am – 4.00pm. Work by ASSIGN members will be available to buy, and visitors will be invited to take part in printmaking demonstrations.

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21.06.11 - METRO TOTEMS: Further Updates

A selection of images showing exhibited artwork and artists' preparation from the latest ASSIGN event Metro Totems (currently taking place at Tynemouth Station Bridge until 05.08.11 and showcasing the work of 12 participating ASSIGN artists) is now available to view by clicking here.

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20.06.11 - An Exhibition by BARRIE WEST

ASSIGN member Barrie West will be exhibiting work at the Python Gallery, Royal Middleton House, Middlesbrough from 27.06.11 until 29.07.11. A private viewing will be held on Friday 24th June from 5.30 until 8.30pm.

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01.06.11 - Metro Totems: Special Viewing

ASSIGN are delighted to invite you to a special viewing of METRO TOTEMS at Tynemouth Station on Tuesday 7th June 2011, between 6.30 and 8.30 pm.

During the evening the bridge will be unlocked to allow you to wander through the totems. Refreshments will be available.

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11.05.11 - METRO TOTEMS Updates

Presenting images of early progress and installation of the forthcoming ASSIGN project METRO TOTEMS, at Tynemouth Station Bridge.

Work in progress at the bridge! Decia Morris, Pat Thirtle, Richard Rainer.

Artwork by Richard Rainer, being installed at Tynemouth Station Bridge.

Artwork in place at Tynemouth Station Bridge, by Decia Morris.

Preparation for Tynemouth Station Bridge installation, by Alex Surtees.

Rubik’s Cube ® Imagery used by kind permission of Seven Towns Limited.

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15.04.11 - Collected Drawings by DECIA MORRIS

ASSIGN member and local artist Decia Morris will be exhibiting work at the Durham Room, Ashburne House, Backhouse Park, University of Sunderland between 15th April and 6th May 2011.

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08.04.11 - METRO TOTEMS

Announcing the forthcoming ASSIGN project, taking place between May 23 and August 5, 2011. METRO TOTEMS is an installation at Tynemouth Station Bridge, showcasing the work of 12 participating ASSIGN artists. Further updates will appear on this space!

Click here to view directions to Tynemouth Metro Station

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07.12.10 - Further updates to Artists Section

Richard Rainer's artist page has now been updated with three additional images. Click here to view.

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01.11.10 - Thank You!

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01.10.10 - ASSIGN / BIG DRAW ONLINE GALLERY - Now Online!

A selection of images received from participating artists worldwide and of all age groups is now available - click here to view.

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13.09.10 - Updates to Artists Section

ASSIGN artists Decia Morris, Tony Redman, Richard Rainer and Alyson Stoker's pages have been updated with additional images. Click here to view.

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22.08.10 - ASSIGN / BIG DRAW ONLINE GALLERY

Announcing the latest ASSIGN project in collaboration with The Big Draw! Participation is open to artists worldwide and of all age groups. Send max two images (drawings) via email to artwork@assign-art.co.uk. Please include title and name of artist for accreditation. Jpeg images will be accepted from now until 30 September 2010. Drawings will be displayed on this space from 01 October 2010.

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14.08.10 - Sunderland - Looking Up

Images from "Sunderland - Looking Up" - the ASSIGN artists event for the North East Festival of Architecture (NEFA) at Frederick St. Studios are now available to view in slideshow format by clicking here.

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25.06.10 - SUNDERLAND ECHO - Exploring Vaux Through Art

A new artwork explores a blight on Sunderland's landscape that's been puzzling Wearsiders for a decade. Barrie West's piece compares the barren Vaux site to Scrabble, Monopoly and a jigsaw as part of an architecture exhibition.

Ten Years of Board Games forms part of the Sunderland - Looking Up exhibition which is on display at Frederick Street Studios.

Staged by art collective ASSIGN, the exhibition encourages visitors to raise their eye level to the fine architecture that exists in the city.

Full Article

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28.05.10 - Sunderland - Looking Up

Announcing Sunderland - Looking Up, the forthcoming ASSIGN exhibition in association with NEFA (North East Festival of Architecture).

ASSIGN will be putting an artist’s slant on Sunderland’s past, present and future. Visit the exhibition in a little known architectural gem: a historic converted grain warehouse in the heart of Sunniside, Sunderland’s Cultural Quarter.

The exhibition will be open for a limited time only, from Wednesday June 23rd - Saturday June 26th, 2010. The opening hours are 10:30am - 4pm.

For further information, click here and scroll down to final listing.

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25.10.09 - Celebrating Darwin

Selected images from ASSIGN's Celebrating Darwin - A Natural Selection event / exhibition at Frederick St. Studios are now available to view in slideshow format by clicking here.

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01.10.09 - Celebrating Darwin

Announcing the latest ASSIGN exhibition - "Celebrating Darwin - A Natural Selection" - taking place in October 2009. A private viewing will be held at Frederick St. Studios, Sunderland, on Friday 10.10.09 (6-8PM).

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06.05.09 - Further Updates (Artists Section)

ASSIGN artists William Harris and Tony Redman's pages have now been updated with new images. Click here to view.

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04.05.09 - ASSIGN Links Update

ASSIGN artist Barrie West's personal website is now online, featuring new artwork. Click here to view the site.

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01.05.09 - Further Updates (Artists' Section)

ASSIGN artists Decia Morris and Barrie West's pages have now been updated with new images. Click here to view.

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13.03.09 - Latest Updates (Artists' Section)

ASSIGN artists Barrie West, Alex Surtees, Richard Rainer and Alyson Stoker's pages have now been updated with new images. Click here to view.

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07.01.09 - ASSIGN AGM 08/09

The ASSIGN / AGM will be held on Tuesday 20.01.09 starting at 18:30 in the Function Room of the Harbour View Hotel, Roker, Sunderland (located near the Roker seafront above the marina).

All members are urged to attend as the need to elect a new General Management Committee (GMC) is due. Nominations can be made before the meeting via - The Secretary: ASSIGN, c/o SES Hendon Co-op Centre, 44 Mowbray Road, Sunderland, SR2 8EL (by 19.01.09 or alternatively at the meeting. Once nominations have been made and accepted, voting to elect the GMC can be completed). Prior to nominations being made, reports will be given by current GMC members - Chair, Secretary, Treasurer etc.

Buffet refreshments will be available from 18:45 with drinks available at the pay bar. Then at 19:15, a welcoming address by the chair will be followed by a presentation by Ben Hall, director of the Sunniside Partnership, a keen supporter of ASSIGN and many cultural initiatives in the City Centre with an opportunity for questions and discussion.

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07.01.09 - Artists' Section Revamp

Visitors to site may notice that the ASSIGN artists section is temporarily unavailable as it is currently undergoing updates and maintenance. Further updates will be announced on this space shortly.

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15.10.08 - ASSIGN / Big Draw event at the National Glass Centre

Visitors to the National Glass Centre made their mark on a giant map of the River Wear with water drawn from the river. Pigment was added to the water so that Wearsiders could contribute to the map showing the river's 20-mile route from its mouth in Sunderland to Durham City.

The event was staged by Assign artists as part of the national Big Draw campaign, which is aimed at encouraging more people to take up art.

The result will be an eight-metre map of the river, which will be seen through 150 panes of glass.

Full Article

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01.07.08 - Pat Thirtle Exhibition

ASSIGN member and local artist Pat Thirtle is exhibiting work at the Washington Arts Centre between 4th July and 9th August. The opening will be held on Thursday, 3rd July between 7pm and 9pm.

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06.04.08 - Sunniside Partnership Presentation

A presentation of a framed drawing by ASSIGN artist Karen Summers was made on Tuesday 18.03.08 to the Director of the Sunniside Partnership, Ben Hall at the local offices by ASSIGN GMC members.

The presentation was intended to show the appreciation of ASSIGN for the interest and financial support given by the Partnership for ASSIGN's participation in "The Big Draw" organised by the National Campaign for Drawing 07 ("Gardening & Drawing").

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03.02.08 - ASSIGN AGM 07/08 (Secretary's Report)

Members will recall that as a result of a special resolution from the chair at the 6th AGM in January 2007, the current GMC was re-elected to remain in office for a further year. The chair of ASSIGN at the time, Colin Wilbourn also agreed to retain a role as chair for the same period, albeit in a fairly hands off style.

This GMC (Bill Harris (chair), Tony Redman (treasurer), Dick Rainer (secretary) and Alex Surtees) has continued to function in this capacity, meeting regularly, monitoring cultural, environmental and potential economic developments in the locality, region, nationally and internationally. To make this possible, valuable support and assistance has continued to come from "Social Enterprise Sunderland" under its director Kevin Marquis (now rescheduled as 'Sustainable Enterprise' Sunderland / SES), the "Sunniside Partnership" under its director Ben Hall and closer to home, "Frederick Street Studios" (FSS). Whilst ACE / North East was not forthcoming with funding support for the major cultural initiative of this current year:"Gardening & Drawing" (the ASSIGN participation in "The Big Draw", a nationally organised campaign to encourage drawing), Sunniside Partnership stepped forward with the major funding source, details of which will be given in the treasurers report.

Members will not be surprised that expectations of support from the major cultural funding organisation - "ACE / NE" were so disappointing, many similar artistic / cultural groups and organisations have felt let down with many fingers aimed at the spiralling costs of funding the Olympic bid in 2012!! This dearth of public funding of the Arts continues to threaten the usually proliferating grass roots activity and ASSIGN members will have to use all their creative energies to find some new ways forward! Never the less as the "TBD / Gardening & Drawing" residencies proved - where there is a will a way can be found! This initiative, which occupied so much of the attention of the GMC for much of 07/08, provided funding for artists in residence in and around Sunniside based primarily at "FSS", including location, materials and artist fees.

ASSIGN members will watch with interest the opening of the new cultural / social venue "The Place" nearby and the opportunities or otherwise on offer there, make no mistake it will not be cheap but we must wish it well!!

Dick Rainer / Sec 01.08 (p.s time to remind the faithful!!)

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02.01.08 - ASSIGN Site Restored!

After suffering technical problems beginning in December, the ASSIGN website is now back online. However, visitors to the site may still experience problems viewing the "Artists" section as it is currently under repair. Further updates will be announced on this space shortly.

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04.11.07 - Latest Updates

Examples of work from the ASSIGN / The Big Draw event "Gardening & Drawing" are now online. Click here to view slideshow featuring images of work completed during the event and ASSIGN artists group residency at Frederick St. Studios.

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04.11.07 - Gardening & Drawing - Final Viewing

See work completed during ASSIGN's Gardening & Drawing event at a final viewing of the exhibition. The viewing will be held at Frederick St. Studios, Sunderland on 16.11.07 between 4pm and 7pm.

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26.10.07 - Links page updated

The ASSIGN Links page has been updated with information and contact details for Sunniside Partnership, Social Enterprise Sunderland (SES) and "The Big Draw".

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18.08.07 - Gardening & Drawing

As ASSIGN members will already be aware, throughout October 2007 drawing projects will be taking place around Britain organised by the "Campaign for Drawing" under the slogan "The Big Draw"!

ASSIGN, in association with the Sunniside Partnership, an organisation responsible for managing the regeneration of inner city Sunderland, in particular the recently refurbished Sunniside Gardens - will be offering ASSIGN artist members an opportunity to participate in "The Big Draw". This will be achieved by linking the thematic idea of "Gardening and Drawing", inspired by the many aspects of restoring / reviving the Sunniside Gardens with artistic creativity realised by various and spontaneous approaches to drawing by ASSIGN artists in the form of a group residency. The group residency will have its focus both in and around the Frederick Street Studios and the environment of the Sunniside Gardens in Sunderland city centre for a 3 week period commencing on October 09, 2007.

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14.02.07 - ASSIGN AGM Details 06/07

The 6th annual general meeting (AGM) of ASSIGN was held on Tues 13.02.07 in the Frederick Street Studios (FSS). The chair Colin Wilbourn, in an introductory welcome / review, praised the ongoing activities of the GMC throughout the year with particular reference to the launch of the ASSIGN website and the "ASSIGN at Christmas" exhibition at FSS. The chair also drew attention to the need for a continuation / development of links and relationships with the professional arts workers employed by the city of Sunderland. The full AGM was preceeded from 18.45 by a comprehensive presentation by Alastair Robinson, the curator of visual arts at the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Arts (NGCA), identifying and explaining the current / future rounds of curatorial events, initiatives and exhibitions. This was well received allowing for both questions and in-depth discussion.

Members present - Colin Wilbourn (chair), Tony Redman (treas.), Richard Rainer (sec.), William Harris (GMC), Alex Surtees (GMC), Craig Knowles, Decia Morris, Fred Fowler, Pat Thirtle, Barrie West, Alyson Stoker, Karen Summers.