Chartered Accountants, Haines Watts specialising in the owner managed business sector based in Southernhay has sponsored the Overall Award at the Exeter Contemporary Open 2011 hosted by Exeter Phoenix for the sIxth consecutive year. The annual exhibition at the Phoenix Gallery in Gandy Street, features new work of emerging and established contemporary artists from the UK and beyond which this year runs from 15 September – 2 November. Over the last six years it has become a significant opportunity to see work by some of the most talented emerging contemporary artists working today.
This year’s exhibition represents a broad range of artistic practice, including and sometimes combining elements from across the disciplines of painting, sculpture, print, video, photography and performance based activity. Prizes are awarded including a £1000 Overall Award, two £500 Additional Awards and a £200 Audience Choice Award, voted for by visitors to the exhibition.
After receiving hundreds of submissions and short-listing fifteen artists, the judges of Exeter Contemporary Open 2011 announced at the opening that the overall winner of the £1000 prize sponsored by Haines Watts is Laura Philips whose work intersects performance, sculpture and film. The panel of expert judges included Matt Burrows, Curator of Phoenix Gallery at Exeter Phoenix.
Matt Burrows, Curator of Phoenix Gallery at Exeter Phoenix says: “The invaluable and ongoing support from Ben de Cruz and the team at Haines Watts has allowed this exhibition to grow in its reach and stature, year on year. It’s a pleasure to welcome them and their guests from the business community to be part of this exciting and creative event.”
Over 100 visitors attended the private opening preview of the exhibition including guests of Haines Watts who received personal guided tours by the partners and staff.
Ben de Cruz Senior Partner of Haines Watts says: “We always enjoy being part of this annual exhibition and by offering our commitment as a main sponsor since its inception means that we continue to help support the wonderful arts culture in the City for all to enjoy. It also offers the opportunity for us to invite clients and associates from the local business community to join us for an event that is different, and which for some is a totally new experience. The feedback from our guests is always complimentary and this year we had the added and unexpected attraction of a live snake which I am relieved to say was accompanied by a very competent handler!”
Catherine Strigner – Partner WBW Solicitors says: “It was a fascinating evening; however I missed the snake which was a shame as I quite like them. My favourite exhibit surprisingly was the one with three people with buckets on their heads! It was also good to catch up with some familiar faces and it has very much become a firm date in my calendar.”
 |
| Caroline Thomas partner at Haines Watts and Ben de Cruz senior partner at Haines Watts pictured with Hanna and the snake |
No comments:
Post a Comment