A group of art lovers are appealing for support to bring part of a Banksy pop-up exhibition to town.
Street artist Banksy, known for his political satire, opened ‘Dismaland’ as a temporary art project based on a dystopian world, and attracted thousands of visitors during its five week appearance.
Now Macclesfield is being given the opportunity to host one of the installations, and community arts organisation Artspace is encouraging residents to pledge their cash and make it happen.
The exhibit, by artist Jimmy Cauty and part of the ‘ADP Riot Tour’, is a 40ft shipping container which houses a miniature depiction of a post-riot landscape.
Adults and children can view the installation – which will be based at Exchange Square – through peepholes in the walls of the container.
Jane Munro, from the group and co-founder of the Barnaby Festival, said the Macclesfield Riot of 1812 – during which farmers and market traders fought over prices – means the town is the perfect host for the exhibit.
She said: “This is a really exciting project but we need everyone’s help to make it happen.
“The Riot Tour is only visiting towns or cities that have a history of riots and I’m sure it’ll come as quite a surprise to some people that we had our very own riot back in 1812.
“It’s a fascinating part of Macclesfield’s history and we want to celebrate it by bringing this fantastic Riot Tour into town.
“Far from inciting another riot, we hope the experience of the ADP in Macclesfield’s Exchange Square will be a fun, peaceful and thought-provoking one.”
Artspace has launched a crowd-funding campaign to raise £2,000 towards bringing the temporary exhibition to the town.
If fundraising is successful, spin-off events will include a launch party with live music, family friendly activities in and around Exchange Square, plus a reenactment of the riot itself next year.
People will also get incentives for pledging cash for the installation, including tickets for the opening event, limited edition memorabilia or sponsorship packages, depending on how much is donated.
Anyone wishing to pledge their support should visit www.spacehive.com/adp-in-macclesfield . For more information about the tour go to facebook.com/Jimmy CautyADP.
