BEAF PROJECTS Presents: Tattoo Exhibition

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Bournemouth Emerging Arts Fringe (BEAF) opens its first 'socially distanced' exhibition at its new pop-up venue, B.A.D., in the heart of Boscombe.

Boscombe Arts Depot (B.A.D) is located in the empty department store, previously T J Hughes in the Sovereign Shopping Centre. Already home to a temporary theatre, it is set to be transformed over the coming months to include a gallery space, community and interactive space. Part of the site has been allocated to support the Dorset Children's Foundation (DCF) and The Outsiders Project, the latter creating the first on-site exhibition, Tattoo, viewed from the street.

Running until 31 August 2020, the exhibition is a snapshot of work collected online during the lockdown period, which gathered stories about individual tattoos and the personal meanings behind them. This first socially distanced exhibition, developed in partnership with Hampstead Theatre in London, allows the public to see the inspiring stories behind the ink in this specially created window gallery at the front of the B.A.D. building.

Nell Leyshon, Director of The Outsiders Project, which gives voice to marginalised and unheard artists, describes the exhibition as "a great way to show the public what the project has been up to throughout lockdown. It also emphasises that even though we have been unable to present any productions, we have continued to support our local community and artists and create artwork in these uncertain times."

Whilst BEAF organisers have made the decision to return with its main festival event in May 2021, this new exhibition and the creative activity that will carry on throughout the coming year in the space and online, offers the public a chance to enjoy the work that local creatives are producing at a safe distance.

Festival Director, Carol Maund adds "Whilst it is a great shame that we are no longer able to run the festival this year this does not mean that BEAF activities will stop. We are still continuing to help develop the art scene in Bournemouth and support our many commissioned artists. We have also continued to employ our team, who are working hard behind the scenes to get B.A.D up and running for the year ahead."

Fiona McArthur from Bournemouth Coastal BID said: "This is another superb way to get people into town. It is a great disappointment that the festival isn't going ahead this year, but we now have an exhibition of art, which is free for everyone. I'd urge people to come and see it, and while they are in Boscombe support some of the local businesses."

To keep up to date with all events and progress of the 2021 BEAF festival, follow BEAF's
social media channels. Find BEAF on Facebook: @bournemouthfringe, Twitter: @bmthfringe and Instagram: @gotbeaf

Find out more about The Outsiders Project on Facebook and Instagram at:
@outsidersprojectboscombe

BEAF is supported by Arts Council England, Bournemouth Coastal BID, Arts University Bournemouth, People's Health Trust, J.P. Morgan and Morgan Sindell.