‘Gypsy Maker Project’

Art Central Town Hall, King Square, Barry, CF63 4RW

Exhibition Launch 3pm 1st April 2017

Artur Conka’s Rarebit please! Billy Kerry’s All Fur-Coat

An Arts Council of Wales funded project gets the green light

The Romani Cultural & Arts Company proudly invites you to meet the artists Artur Conka and Billy Kerry at the opening of this new exhibition. This new and exciting installation of specially commissioned artworks is the latest in our groundbreaking Gypsy Maker project—an initiative that supports the development of innovative works by established and emerging Gypsy, Roma and Traveller artists. The Gypsy Maker project expands the work of the RCAC by continuing to engage GRT communities and the wider public in ongoing dialogue about the ways in which art continues to inform the lives of individuals and communities today.

Artur Conka is a photography graduate from the University of Derby. One of the few Roma to have documented his community from behind the lens Conka’s photography and film making focuses on the lives of Roma, Gypsy and Traveller groups across Europe. We look forward to presenting his original and innovative approach to filmmaking and photography in this new exhibition. 

Billy Kerry was trained at Chelsea College of Art and Design in London, where he achieved a First class Honours Degree in Fine Art. Since graduating in 2009 he has been inspiring others by teaching at Cambridge Regional College. His new exhibition of artworks investigates and challenges preconceived views of ethnicity, gender roles and constructed conformity.

’Working with the Romani Cultural and Arts Company has been a relationship to cherish. The RCAC gives a platform that so few do not, especially to Gypsy, Roma and Traveller groups. Its approach to tirelessly establishing ground breaking understanding about GRT communities has helped change people’s lives. ’ Artur Conka

‘It’s been fantastic having the opportunity to work with The Romani Cultural and Arts Company. The RCAC has supported and guided me at the same time as allowing me to be very free with my work. As an artist and educator I am overjoyed to be asked to hold workshops with schools as I see creative education as important in creating richer individuals from all walks of life.’ Billy Kerry

“The groundbreaking work of the Romani Cultural and Arts Company in supporting Gypsy, Roma and Traveller artists is unparalleled. The Gypsy Maker project is unique worldwide in commissioning new bodies of work by GRT artists thus enabling the production of significant new knowledge from an underrepresented group and making a valuable contribution to international contemporary art and cultural discourse.” Dr Daniel Baker

“We are delighted to be working with the Romani Culture and Arts Company again at Art Central Gallery and are looking forward to hosting work by Artur Conka & Billy Kerry as part of the organisation’s continuing ‘Gypsy Maker Project’. Tracey Harding Arts Development and Arts Central Gallery Manager

The Romani Cultural & Arts Company cordially invites you come along to see the works and meet the artists at the opening of this new and exciting exhibition.

 

Exhibition dates: 3rd April to 29th April 2017 – Art Central Artur Conka English press release &  Art Central Billy Kerry English press release

Art Central Town Hall, King Square, Barry, CF63 4RW – FREE ADMISSION – Monday to Saturday 10am – 4pm