VANILLA GALLERIES : "Ay Up Me Duck"

"Ay Up Me Duck"

The winners and best submissions for this community photography competition
(4th July - 3rd September 2009)

An exhibition by Vanilla Galleries

Ay Up Me Duck was an exciting community project encouraging local people to produce creative photographs focusing on a simple rubber duck.

The response from the community and the creativity of the entries has been inspiring; ducks have been taken all over the world, from Sweden to Sri Lanka, as well as staying closer to home in gardens and homes across Leicestershire. Wherever the ducks ended up, the competition allowed members of the community to develop their artistic skills and above all, have some photographic fun.

Involving members of the public in participatory art projects is an important aspect of Vanilla Galleries work. We strive to make art more accessible to the general public and enrich the community.

Vanilla Galleries is a collective of around 30 emerging artists, recently graduated from Loughborough University.

Our main objective is to foster emerging artists from Loughborough University and provide them with a professional gallery environment. We endeavour to enhance the community with creative projects and give residents the chance to experience unique and diverse artwork.

Loughborough's need for regeneration and change has been well publicised and we are directly responding to this. Our exhibitions and community projects will attract new people to Loughborough and the surrounding areas as well as retaining current residents.

The work of Vanilla Galleries is supported through a newly established Commercialisation Studio at Loughborough University. The Studio is intended to house and support emerging creative talent. Its aim is to act as an innovative centre for developing good ideas, seeking to create business opportunities and business activity, unique in the East Midlands.

VANILLA GALLERIES : "Ay Up Me Duck"