Friday 21 October 2011

AITU Presents: 'This Is Just To Say' by Hannah Jane Walker


‘The show is confident, mature and smooth, the content endearing and engaging. The audience leave hyper-aware of when they say sorry’.
- Total Theatre

‘…there is something about Walker’s gentle, almost sorrowful understanding that
makes us want to embrace the messiness within and share our own catastrophes.’
- Lyn Gardner, Guardian Theatre Critic

Art in the Underbelly is very proud to present its first theatre show. ‘This is Just to Say’ is a part poetry, part performance, part interactive show created by the Fringe First award winning poet, Hannah Jane Walker.

The show is an intimate conversation about saying sorry with small audience group at a table. A warm and engaging fusion of intimate performance and poetry in a welcoming environment, wherein you sit, have some whisky, and if you like, share your thoughts and ideas about apology. It unpicks the fabric of identities, reflecting on notions of cultural identity and the misuse of language.

Head over to the AITU Big Cartel to grab a ticket now. Limited availability. All tickets are a bargain £7.50. Shows are on November 28th and 29th, doors are at 8:45 with the show beginning at 9pm.

Ticket price includes a glass of whisky and music from a DJ after the performance.

Monday 5 September 2011

Submit & Exhibit 2

Submit & Exhibit 2010

Art in the Underbelly – Submit & Exhibit 2

After the success of 2009’s Submit & Exhibit, which saw submissions from as far afield as Pakistan and the USA, Art in the Underbelly is having its second open submission show, set to open in January 2012. Submissions are sought from artists and creative practitioners and anyone who makes work that they think would fit the space. To see photos of the space, check www.rumseywells.co.uk  or visit our ‘Art in the Underbelly’ Facebook page.

People of all levels of artistic availability are invited to submit, we are most interested in work we like the look of rather than years of experience. We are mainly seeking 2D work but there is some room for small 3D work and work that hangs from ceiling spaces. We are also open to proposals, based upon portfolio submissions, for work that is made directly into areas or walls within the space.
The show will run for 1 month, opening with an evening featuring DJ’s, a live band and a limited edition giveaway. Proposals from performance artists and groups that could take place during the evening are also invited.

All work submitted can be made available for sale, the space takes a 20% commission and all work must be insured by the individual artist. Whilst every effort will be made to keep your work safe and sound, the space will not be held responsible for any damage that occurs to your work. Artists who submit work for the show and are selected may also be offered a solo show in the future, you will be notified if you are chosen for this.

What you need to do to submit your work:
1. Up to 3 images of artwork – on cd, as photographs or prints (no originals please) (submissions can be made by email but images must be no larger than 20cm x 20cm and 72dpi)
2.  A statement about your work with size of original work framed or size of original work if 3D (no work larger than 84cm × 60cm)
3. SAE for return of cd or photographs, if you do not provide this we will not be able to return your bits to you
4. Cheque for the submission fee of £5 for up to 3 images, this can be made by Paypal, please contact us for details. (Submission fee is non-refundable, funds raised go towards additional admin costs and the printing of catalogues and additional promotional materials for the final exhibition, no profit is made from the submission fees)
5. Deadline for submissions is November 30th 2011

Please send submissions to: Art in the Underbelly, Rumsey Wells 4, St. Andrews St, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 4AF or email digital submissions to: art@rumseywells.co.uk

Monday 15 August 2011

Our Autumn/Winter Programme for 2011

OCT: Adam Batchelor & Stephen Mellor present an exploration of two very different sides of American Life. Very excited about hosting these two particularly talented chaps, we've got some intriguing plans for the limited edition freebie for this show.

NOV: John Scarratt, fresh from appearances in various Shop Art! exhibitions, will be working on an exploration of the relationship between numerics and music, with a particular focus on The Blue Album by Weezer. With a live appearance by the Olympians playing their Weezer 'before they were shit' covers set for the first time in the city.

DEC: Transept down instruments and pick up an array of artistic implements to showcase the visual side of their work. You'll have seen their impeccable artwork on their hand-screen printed LP covers and may well have seen them supporting post-rock pioneers, Godspeed! You Black Emporer. Come see the results of their work and watch a specially curated evening of live music, programmed by the band.

As well as these three shows, we're launching our ever evolving Stairwell Gallery featuring work by Alec Cumming, D'ahandra Bascomb, Petit Mal, Sammy Merry, Sam Capps, Tasha Whittle, Paul David Escott, Dan Tombs, Richard Horne. More works will be added as we find more and more excellent pieces to add to our collection.

Did I mention that all of this, including the live music, general good times, exceptional artwork and our limited edition giveaways (over the year we've given away hand-made books, screen printed mix CD's, screen printed tote bags and a 12 page newspaper) is completely FREE?

Monday 6 June 2011

New stuff in our shop...

A small selection of David Drakes exceptional portrait series is now available to buy from our Big Cartel shop, one's already gone! Beautifully framed and yours for an absolute steal at just £125. Hit the pic to see them all.

Monday 9 May 2011

One Year of Art in the Underbelly

1 year old, has it really been 1 year already!? When I was first approached by Dan and Katie to take on the space I could never have envisaged being where we are now. We began with humble beginnings, tentatively dipping our toes into the inviting but unpredictable waters of Norwich's cultural scene and have grown from a simple exhibition space into a gallery, installation and performance space. Space is limited but the unique charm and layout lends itself to the work we exhibit and the people who perform. Often it forces our artists and bands to readdress their work to fit the space and thus I can confidently say that more often than not, what you see at Art in the Underbelly will never be seen again elsewhere.

In the past year we've hosted shows by photographers, illustrators, graffiti artists, kinetic sculptors, performance artists, abstract painters and much more that I just don't have the space to list here. We've strongly championed the local talent that Norwich is home to whilst also exhibiting work from as far afield as the USA. Its been a hell of a learning curve as years go. We have tried and tested different opening nights, different line-ups, encouraged people (despite the extra work it creates for me) to work directly onto the walls (I have had to paint over, strip off and cover up some phenomenal work). Musically, we've been gifted with everything from a rare stripped down performance by Death of Death of Discotheque to a full, 7-piece performance by Norwich Stalwarts, The Vagaband as well as killer DJ sets from The Anthropologist, Dan Tombs, Laver Lave, Free King amongst others. Recently, this thing you hold in your hands is one of them, we've begun a line of very limited and very special gifts for the early birds who attend our shows. One-off mix CD's, screen printed tote bags and handmade books have been among the unique items that our keenest customers have managed to get their hands on.

My philosophy for the space has always been one of accessibility, unity, continuity and cohesion.  We're on our way to achieving those goals, a lot has been done this year but there is still work to be done. Our attendance numbers for openings have rocketed this year and its a delight to see so many people every month. We'll be shutting up shop in the summer as the heat rises down here but we'll be back in September with specially commissioned shows by John Scarratt, experimental drone act, Transept, the return of our international open submission show, Submit & Exhibit, an interactive poetry performance by Hannah Jane Walker which has been taken around the country and to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Finally, we'll be undertaking the installation of our permanent Stairwell Gallery featuring works from our private collection by artists from around the world.

Its been a stressful, fun, haywire, high-pressure, slightly drunken year and I'd like to thank all the people who've helped us get to where we are today. We genuinely wouldn't be here without all the artists, musicians, technical bods, DJ's and most importantly YOU.

Thursday 5 May 2011

1st Birthday Newspapers Have Arrived


Our 1st Birthday newspapers have arrived!!! And they look pretty good if we do say so ourselves. 20 copies up for grabs as soon as we open the doors at 8pm

Saturday 23 April 2011

Our 1st Birthday Celebrations


Katherine Mager's Exhibition Photos - By Ryan Watts





A selection of photographs of our current show which runs until the end of the month. Prints available to buy from our Big Cartel shop here. Big thanks go out to Ryan Watts for once again photographing one of our shows.

Thursday 14 April 2011

May 5th - Art in the Underbelly is 1 YEAR OLD!!


In May we're going to be celebrating our 1st Birthday! We're still tying together the exact bits and bobs for the May 5th party but our exhibition for the month will be a specially commissioned series of portraits of all the artists who've exhibited with us over the last year, shot by the amazing David Drake. We'll be having cake, drinks, DJ's and live music to celebrate the passing of one year of exhibitions and performances and there'll even be a very limited, very special giveaway for the first 30 of you through the door.

Tuesday 12 April 2011

Amazing opportunity for Artists, Performers, Actors and anyone else interested in experimental theatre


Artichoke are putting on an immersive theatre production of ‘Dining With Alice’ as part of the NNF2011 program and are offering people the chance to be a part of the performance as actors who will actively engage with the audience and cast. They are looking for people to get in touch now, even if you cant make it along to all the rehearsals. Have a wee look at the flyer and hit the flyer with a click to sign up. Its in the beautiful grounds of Elsing Hall in Dereham.

Saturday 2 April 2011

Free Download of FYH by Mat Riviere


Free download of the excellent track, FYH, by Mat Riviere available from here http://bit.ly/dNIAk9 Mat will be playing at the next Art in the Underbelly opening, this coming Thursday the 7th. Thats free as well, how nice is that?

Saturday 26 March 2011

New stuff in our shop...

A selection of the loveliest work from our current Mesh Collective show is now on sale in our online shop, for all you out of town types. Strictly limited, very pretty and extremely affordable.

Tuesday 22 March 2011

A selection of the work from our current show




 

A small selection of the work on offer in our current show, running until the end of the month. Photo's by Ryan Watts Photography.

Our April Artist - Katherine Mager


We're very pleased to announce that our April artist will be Katherine Mager. Awarded the Norfolk Photographer of the Year award in 2008, Katherine is an exceptionally talented photographer who is working on a very special and unique concept for her AITU exhibition. Whilst you wait to find out what she's up to, why not have a look at a fine selection of her work over on her blog. 


Wednesday 9 March 2011

New AITU Video

Dan Tombs and humdrum shot some great footage of the opening of our Feb 3rd how featuring the work of Christopher Joyner and a rare, stripped back performance by Death of Death of Discotheque, check it out here...

Art in the Underbelly on Vimeo




Saturday 5 March 2011

TXLW - T-shirts for sale


We featured TXLW in November 2010 as part of our first 'live art' show. She's a very busy bod and is doing great things up Manchester way. Have a look at her wonderful t-shirts here, very nice and very affordable...

TXLW - Big Cartel Shop

Test Shot for David Drakes May exhibition


Its our 1st Birthday in May and we've commissioned the very talented artist, David Drake, to shoot a new body of work especially for our celebrations. We'll be exhibiting the best of the work throughout May. Check his work out here:

David Drake Website

Saturday 26 February 2011

Free stuff from next weeks band, Olympians - March 3rd

 

On March 3rd, Olympians will be performing at the opening of the Mesh Collective show at Art in the Underbelly alongside a performance from Hello Bear and a DJ set from Free King. Above is an awesome video the aforementioned Olympians recently made and below is a link to a free download of one of their best new tunes:

Olympians - Foreign Language FREE DOWNLOAD

Saturday 19 February 2011

AITU Big Cartel Shop Up and Running


AITU now has an online store, hit the link to buy some fantastic artwork by Chris Joyner. We'll be changing the work every month as new work comes in, all of its strictly limited and rather good...

Go here AITU Big Cartel buy art.

Friday 18 February 2011

AITU Proudly Presents - Mesh Collective - Opening March 3rd


Free limited edition, hand screen printed Mesh Collective goody bags for the first 20 people through the door.

Tuesday 15 February 2011

Saturday 12 February 2011

Mesh Collective - Tim Wall


 Our March 3rd show, featuring the brand new print group the Mesh Collective, is shaping up to be a bit good. We've already seen the wonderful Olympians prints that Jo Stafford created for the show and now Tim Wall has put together this little beauty for Norwich band, Hello Bear, check him and his work out here: Mesh Collective Blogspot

DJ Tom L - Free Mix Download


So chris joyners show went down a storm last week, death of death of discotheque nearly brought the roof down with their riotous, semi-robotic, indie-dance core shenanigans and DJ Tom L kept the party going with an awesome set. we'll be uploading video and photos on the coming week. missed the evening? you can get a flavour of the sounds here with a free download of DJ Tom L's exclusive mix created especially for the exhibition...AITU Soundcloud

Saturday 29 January 2011


So noisc rock duo, BK & Dad have unfortunately had to pull out of the opening of Chris Joyners show on Feb 3rd. But, fear not, the mighty Death of Death of Discotheque are jumping into the gap and putting together a one-off, stripped down, noise ridden, electronic music extravaganza especially for the show. And it just so happens that this photo was taken by Chris Joyner himself!

Check them out here: D.O.D.O.D Soundcloud

Thursday 27 January 2011

Chris Joyner - Studio Visit 2

Chris Joyner's work is progressing really well for our February show. Went to visit him at his studio today to see some more of the work, you can get a sneak preview if you look over his shoulder...


Wednesday 26 January 2011

Our May artist - David Drake

A cracking photographer from the USA who has just set-up shop in our fine city, David N Drake has photographed Julian Casablancas, Pete Seeger and the US Marine Corps. Below are some beautiful shots he took of Norwich's Spidermilk at their recent gig at the Norwich Arts Centre...




Check out the full set here: Spidermilk Facebook

And check out more of his work here: David N Drake Tumblr

Sunday 23 January 2011

DJ Tom L + Chris Joyner = Free mix CD for first 20 people on Feb 3rd


As another special treat for all the people who come down to our shows, DJ Tom L is putting together a special mix CD which Chris Joyner will be creating the artwork for. 20 CD's will be given to the first 20 people through the door on Feb 3rd. Get in early...

Saturday 22 January 2011

Art in the Underbelly Proudly Presents - Chris Joyner - 'Experiments in Expropriation' - Thurs Feb 3rd

Jo Stafford - MESH Collective

Got to see some of the new work by the newly founded screenprinting group, Mesh Collective, at last nights Olympians gig at Norwich Arts Centre. Jo Stafford has really raised the bar for the rest of the group! Check out their photos and they're blog below.




MESH Collective blog

Wednesday 19 January 2011

Chris Joyner - Studio Visit


Went to see Chris Joyner at his studio in the Outpost studio complex yesterday. His work is progressing nicely for our February exhibition.

Sunday 16 January 2011

Transept and Dan Tombs

Dan Tombs, who we featured at Art in the Underbelly last year, is a very busy man. One of his favourite busy things to do is making music videos and visuals to play alongside acts like Keiran Hebden, Gold Panda and Luke Abbott. Here's the latest video he's made Luke Abbott - Trans Forest Alignment

In other news, Transept, who we showcased at the opening of Submit and Exhibit, have been getting rave reviews for their incredible self titled debut album....



We are going to be working with Transept on an exhibition and evening of performance that further explores the relationship between art and music, something we've wanted to do for ages. This will form the beginnings of our winter 2011 programme. Its a bit exciting as all three members of the band work in very experimental areas of art and we cant wait to see what they come up with.

Saturday 15 January 2011

Submit & Exhibit Photos

Some samples of whats on offer at our Submit & Exhibit show, open till the end of this month.



Sunday 9 January 2011

Chris Joyner - Studio Shots

These just arrived by the magic medium of the mulit-media message. They're some shots Chris Joyner has taken of the work he's begun for our next show. Im working side by side with Chris to work from the starting point of some abstracted band photography that he showed me. From that starting point he's working on experiments with large scale printing, paste-ups and 70's photography and fervently working away in his studio till the early hours of the morning to explore the visual routes that these starting points offer him. As he moves through this process we are meeting up and discussing points in his work and brainstorming the next steps. Check out the photos for an insight into how hes getting on so far, then come along to his February exhibition to see the final results.