Shrewsbury, a town in Shropshire, England, is set to host an exciting summer arts festival that will feature sculptures from the renowned surrealist artist Salvador Dali, as well as other renowned international artists. It will be the first time the Dali artworks have been shown in the UK.
The eight-week-long festival, which kicks off on 1 July, will be centered on the theme of movement, marking 350 years since the birth of John Weaver, the father of English ballet and pantomime, who hailed from Shrewsbury. It will showcase works from 200 local and regional creatives and feature pieces from a variety of other well-known artists, including Jacob Chandler, Banksy, LS Lowry, Damien Hirst, Michael James Talbot, and Man Ray.
The festival will be spearheaded by Jess Richards, who created the Shrewsbury Art Trail to bring positivity and inspiration to the town as it emerged from Covid-19 lockdowns. Richards said the festival is all about inspiring local artists and showing that art is for everyone.
The three Salvador Dali sculptures on display are the Surrealist Piano, Homage to Terpsichore, and Dalian Dancer. The Surrealist Piano, a massive five-meter-tall sculpture, will be displayed outside Shrewsbury Castle. Homage to Terpsichore, which depicts the Greek muse of dance and chorus, will be placed in the courtyard at Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery.
Other venues hosting the festival include the Darwin shopping center and the Severn Theatre, as well as cafes, art galleries, churches, and parks. The festival will feature a series of 16 exhibitions, eight workshops, and live events. It will also include a John Weaver theatre and dance festival, a glass festival at St Mary’s Church, a family treasure trail, a ‘Secret Art Sale’ at local art dealer’s the Soden Collection, and a dance photography exhibition.
The festival is expected to draw art enthusiasts from across the country, and the town is looking forward to showcasing its creativity and diversity in the arts. This year’s theme of movement will undoubtedly provide a fitting backdrop for the vibrant and colorful displays of art that will be on show.
The event is an excellent opportunity for visitors to discover the rich artistic heritage of Shrewsbury while enjoying a summer of culture and entertainment. With the festival set to run for eight weeks, it is hoped that the event will provide a much-needed boost to the town’s economy, especially as it continues to recover from the pandemic.