As the world premiere production of Arthur Berry’s final play Whatever Happened To Phoebe Salt enters its final week of performances at the New Vic, on-going activities celebrating the 100th anniversary of Berry’s birth continue to permeate the city that inspired his acclaimed work.
Over the school half term, the New Vic Education department celebrated Berry’s work through their artistic project Sketchy – an exploration of creativity, visual imagery and words. Inspired by Berry’s creative vision, the team worked with artists, schools and community groups including Middleport Matters, Smallthorne Primary School and Springhead Primary School to engage in workshops focusing on illustration and storytelling to develop their own unique artistic styles. Additionally, the workshops explored the value of drawing in a child’s education and the impact of recognising the views and images of our homes and communities as important subjects of art.
Meanwhile, a collection of Berry’s original artworks depicting characters and settings created for his plays is displayed at the New Vic Theatre as a part of the Arthur Berry Theatre Maker Exhibition. On show until Saturday 28 June, this exhibition sourced from the Victoria Theatre Archive at Staffordshire University is a unique opportunity to view Berry’s vibrant artistic flair up close.
Continuing to shine light on Berry’s legacy throughout the summer, New Vic Borderlines host A Pie, A Poem and A Portrait at the Potteries Chartist Festival on Saturday 17 August in Burslem town centre and they’ll also be at the launch of the Three Counties Open Arts Exhibition on Saturday 9 August. Running from 9 August until Saturday 30 August, this year’s exhibition will take place in Fenton Town Hall Ballroom and will showcase a diverse array of creative works from talented artists connected to Staffordshire, Cheshire, and Shropshire and will include the prestigious Arthur Berry Prize. Named in honour of the acclaimed North Staffordshire artist, the prize celebrates artistic work that reflects the spirit, creativity, and culture associated with Berry’s legacy.
Appetite will join the 100-year celebrations with a pop-up, open-air exhibition of some ‘cubes‘ exploring Berry’s life and work. Arthur Berry On The Streets will run from August to October, beginning in Stoke-on-Trent City Centre (Hanley, 4 August – 14 September) before moving to Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre (20 September – 1 October).
The year-long programme of work celebrating the Arthur Berry 100 has been made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and shines a light on Berry’s powerful connection to North Staffordshire and his unique ability to turn the everyday struggles and beauty of working-class life into unforgettable works of art.
For more information about upcoming Arthur Berry 100 events, please visit: https://www.arthurberry100.co.uk/