A new pop-up shop experience is coming to Andover today (Wednesday 27th May). The Bureau of Exchange will bring four weeks of excitement, interaction and expression to the town, and is planned by Chapel Arts Studios (CAS), Andover.
Last year, a number of artists based at CAS were involved in the Encounters Arts pop-up shop. Delighted by the reaction of local people, they wanted to build on the creative upsurge, and developed a pop-up shop concept that challenges our use of money. The project will encourage people to look at alternative ways to pay for services, products, ideas and experiences if money didn’t exist.
The concept will be explored through a variety of different free art activities and events commencing on 27th May.
CAS said: “It is our hope that residents and visitors to Andover will be inspired to consider alternatives to buying and selling; and the values we place on time and the worth of what we need or want.”
Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Carr, said: “The Encounters project run by Test Valley Borough Council last summer showed that local people are creative and passionate about their home town, and are willing to explore new ideas and concepts in a modern and innovative way.”
“I am delighted that some of the artists from CAS who worked with the council on the Encounters Project have gone on to develop and create their own interactive project to challenge and involve us all. It is fantastic that they have been able to do so using the pop-up shop concept championed by Test Valley Borough Council to encourage and facilitate new businesses and concepts into the town centre.”
The Bureau of Exchange is popping up at 2b Union Street, just off the High Street, and will be open Wednesday to Saturday 9am to 5.30pm from 27 May until 20 June. Each week a new resident artist will transform the shop with a different interpretation of the project theme. The workshops will each run for three-four days and will include a range of free activities for all ages.
For more information about the project, or for a diary of events planned, visit www.chapelartsstudios.co.uk/projects/shop.
