‘Urban Gallery’ aims to show public’s view of Stafford

A NEW arts project in Stafford is helping transform a vacant shop into a colourful display of photographs, paintings and crafts.

Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) is using the window of an empty shop it owns in Greyfrairs to create an arts display put together by public volunteers from Stafford.

“Empty shops look dull and we felt this would be a fantastic way to improve the appearance of the town at the same time as engaging with the local community,” said Pam Smith, Community Involvement Officer for SARH.

The window was given a spooky theme in the run up to Halloween and plans are now in place to create a festive theme for Christmas.

The project is also looking for the public to provide their own photos for a display in the New Year called ‘My Stafford’.

“We want local people of all ages and any budding photographers to send us pictures of what Stafford means to them,” said Jane Cannell, the former Stafford District Arts Council Chair, who is helping to support the project.

“We also hope to get local schools and other community groups involved and perhaps widen the project to any other vacant shops in the borough so everyone can get involved.

“Ultimately we’d like to be able to use the vacant space as well as the windows and encourage local people to come along and view and share photographs, paintings poetry and crafts.”

If you would like to supply your photographs of Stafford or help the project in any other way please contact Pam Smith, at SARH, on 0800 111 4554.