Baltic car boot birthday bash
AN art car boot fair selling paintings, prints, sculptures and ceramics, will be set up outside Baltic in Gateshead this summer as the gallery celebrates its 20-year anniversary with al fresco food and drink – and also marking the occasion will be the likes of limited-edition gold tote bags and Angel of the North necklaces for those wanting a memento.
The riverside landmark will be hosting a packed weekend of activities running 11am-6pm from July 16-17 which will also spill outside, transforming its outdoor space with art and refreshments.
The car boot fair will take place until 5pm on both days in the car park area, where more than 50 local artists will be setting up stall.
The emphasis is on local, and visitors will be able to enjoy the likes of Greek street food from Acropolis; Asian treats from Little Bao Bar; ice cream from Palominos and drinks from North Shore Coffee, while live
DJ sets from Slack’s Radio will add to the vibe.
Events will be taking place inside the gallery at the same time, with activities on all five floors.
For those wanting a special keepsake, the ground-floor gallery shop will be selling a new limited-edition gold version of the classic Baltic tote bag and an exclusive Tatty Devine Angel of the North gold necklace.
Rounding off the first day of partying, a DJ set will be broadcast live from Baltic’s level 4 viewing terrace as the sun sets, at around 9pm on the Saturday. This will be combined with cinematic camera and drone shots of the striking gallery building.
It all will be available to view online and people are being invited to toast the Baltic’s birthday as they watch.
Since Baltic centre for contemporary art – a former flour mill – first opened, at midnight on July 13, 2002, it has welcomed around 8.8m visitors from across the UK and the world.
During that time it says it has presented 247 exhibitions and shown the work of 711 artists of 72 different nationalities.
Over the birthday weekend, visitors will be able to check out the latest exhibitions, one of which involves interactive play, as well as enjoy creative activities – inspired by the building’s history – as part of its twice-yearly Family Days events.
There will be artist workshops and story sessions to join in, and tours too, including ones to take in the views from the upper levels and the sight of the kittiwakes who nest there.