Northern Print

International Print Biennale 2011

11 September 2011

Media Release
International Print Biennale 2011
September - November 2011

This is an exciting time for art in the North East. This autumn we will not only be welcoming the Turner Prize at BALTIC, but the whole region will play host to International Print Biennale 2011, taking place in Newcastle, Gateshead, Durham, Hexham and Barnard Castle from 17 September to 19 November. It follows the unprecedented success of the Northern Print Biennale in 2009 which was the first major printmaking festival in the UK for 20 years and attracted 95,000 visitors and participants, as well as a Journal Culture Arts Council Award for its quality and impact.

The International Print Biennale 2011 has been renamed this year to reflect the truly international scale of the programme and centres on the 2011 Print Awards. This year 44 artists were shortlisted from over 650 entries, and their work will be showcased in free exhibitions at Hatton Gallery, Northern Print and Laing Art Gallery. A further 12 galleries will host special print exhibitions and events including BALTIC, Queen’s Hall Arts Centre, Hexham and The Bowes Museum, offering culture vultures everywhere the perfect opportunity to visit their favourite venues and see something completely new.

Festival Director, Anna Wilkinson says:
“A lot of people think that printmaking is about reproductions. Nothing could be further from the truth. Artists are drawn to printmaking because it can make a mark like no other and we hope that International Print Biennale will leave a lasting impression on everyone who visits the exhibitions or takes part in the events.”

Alongside the exhibitions there will be some very special events aimed at providing unique, cutting edge opportunities to experience the power of print. Ever thought of using a 12 tonne steamroller to make a gigantic linocut print? Or printing around the world in 24 hours?

With so many things going on, the Biennale team has come up with a range of itineraries designed to help visitors get the most out of what’s on offer. So whether you are interested in starting a collection and want to know where you can buy print, or want to have a go yourself, visit the International Print Biennale website to find out more and to download your Biennale itinerary.

The 2011 Print Awards is the centrepiece of the International Print Biennale. This open submission prize enables a broad spectrum of artists to gain exposure and exhibit with other leading artists in their field. The 2011 selection panel includes Patrice Cotensin, Galerie Lelong, Paris; Peter Randall-Page, artist; and Mike Taylor, Paupers Press. 44 selected artists will display work in three major venues in Newcastle: Hatton Gallery, Laing Art Gallery and Northern Print from 17 September to 19 November 2011.

 

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