MWR and the Hayward Gallery Launch Virtual Art Gallery, ‘Showcases’

November 09, 2005 - Press Dispensary - MWR (http://www.mwr.biz), a Winchester based producer of online learning materials, is launching a virtual gallery with the Hayward Gallery (www.hayward.org.uk), based in London. The gallery, called ‘Showcases’ displays artwork created by the public on mobile phones.

Showcases (http://www.hayward.org.uk/britishartshow6/showcases/index.html) is by artist Goshka Mucaga, working with MWR, ICO Design Consultancy and photographer Nigel Spalding.

Visually influenced by Chris Marker's ‘La Jetee’, the gallery combines nostalgia, modern technology and an element of chance chance about what will be seen next.

To be included in the gallery, a picture must be sent by MMS from a phone to 07843 500 911 quoting the password ART (full instructions are published on the website). The picture is then placed in the online gallery and can be found with an individual ID which is returned to the sender's phone.

Goshka Macuga comments: ‘Working with mobile and web technology gives me an opportunity to create art with the public for the first time.’

Clare van Loenen, head of public programmes at the Hayward Gallery, adds: ‘The collaborative relationship between the team has been critical in getting the balance just right. The technology has delivered Goshka's concept with integrity and sensitivity and is an impressive achievement. It has exceeded all our expectations’

The technology behind the virtual gallery was delivered by MWR. It enables the site to handle unlimited entries within the gallery and provides an individual ID for each sender of mobile phone art.

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Notes for editors
About MWR
MWR is a producer of online learning materials. The company has over 20 years experience in this field and has won awards for its work including Best of the Web and Best Education site for http://makingthemodernworld.org.uk at Museums and the Web 2005 in Vancouver.

About the Hayward Gallery
The Hayward Gallery is part of the South Bank Centre which includes the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, the Purcel Rooms and the Poetry Library.

About Showcases
Showcases forms part of British Art Show 6 - a touring art show organised by the Hayward Gallery which occurs every five years. British Art Show 6, opens in BALTIC Gateshead, and subsequently travels to Manchester, Nottingham and Bristol.

Other notes
Goshka Macuga was born in Warsaw in 1967 and now lives and works in London.

ICO (http://www.icodesign.co.uk), a London based company, focuses on design which engages its audiences and brings brands alive. The company employs a diverse mix of highly talented designers.

Nigel Spalding (http://www.nigelspalding.com) has worked as a professional photographer since 1996 and is based in London Docklands. His work covers portraiture and fashion.

For further information please contact:
Mark Farnell, MWR
Tel: 01962 891121
Email:
Site: www.mwr.biz