Thursday, 15 December 2016

The work of internationally renowned photographers will reach new audiences on the streets of Shrewsbury, Shropshire, in a special exhibition inspired by ‘Evolution’ and the town’s links to Charles Darwin.

Acclaimed photography agency Magnum Photos has curated an exhibition of stunning photographs from the world’s leading photographers to display in the town of Darwin’s birth next year.

The free outdoor show, a first of its kind for a UK town, will launch on 9th February 2017 and coincides with International Darwin Day and Darwin’s birthday on 12th February. It will be staged at two sites and runs until 23rd April.

The ten-week exhibition also links to Magnum Photos’ 70th anniversary which is to be marked by a series of international events, projects and partnerships.

The exhibition is being staged thanks to a collaboration between Shrewsbury Business Improvement District (BID), The Hive Arts Centre, GRAIN Photography Hub and partners.
‘Evolution Explored, A Magnum Photos Exhibition’, will showcase 40 images from the agency’s collection to explore the concept of evolution.

Trish Donovan, Shrewsbury BID Board Member, said: “Charles Darwin was born and raised in Shrewsbury. The town is rightly proud of this special connection to the man who became one of the most important figures in history with his theory of evolution by natural selection. It’s a unique event for the town to experience such renowned work and we expect it to attract thousands of visitors.”

Salla Virman, Director for the Hive, added: “This is an exciting and inspirational arts project looking at evolution through the eyes of some of the most influential photographers around. ‘Evolution Explored’ will celebrate the link between Charles Darwin and Shrewsbury but also give everyone the opportunity to enjoy high quality art in an accessible way. We would like to thank Arts Council England for their support to make the project possible and sponsors Redrow Homes, Shrewsbury Shopping and Shrewsbury Colleges Group.”

“We are delighted to be collaborating on this outdoor exhibition, looking at Magnum's archive through the prism of evolution. As Magnum moves into its 70th year, it is a timely concept as we reflect on our own history and evolution. The exhibition will display powerful historic and contemporary photographs exploring Darwin's legacy in modern society,” said Emily Graham, Cultural Commissions & Partnerships at Magnum Photos.

Magnum Photos is a photographic co-operative owned by its photographer members. Noted for its diverse and distinctive work, Magnum chronicles the world and interprets its people, events, issues and personalities. It was founded in 1947 by four pioneers, Robert Capa, Henri Cartier-Bresson, George Rodger and David Seymour.

Today its editorial offices in New York, London, Paris and Tokyo, and its network of sub-agents, provide photographs to the press, publishers, advertising, television, galleries and museums around the world.

It has approximately one million photographs in both print and transparency in a physical library, with more than 500,000 images available online. It is said that if you picture an iconic image, but can’t think who took it or where it can be found, it probably came from Magnum.

‘Evolution Explored, A Magnum Photos Exhibition’, will be at St Mary’s Church and The Square, Shrewsbury, from 9th February to 23rd April 2017.

ENDS

For more press information contact Claire Brown or Felicity Lewis on 01743 234224 or email clairebrown@infinityshrewsbury.com and felicitylewis@infinityshrewsbury.com

The press photograph is available for use solely for the promotion of the exhibition ‘Evolution Explored’. Up to two Magnum images can be used without fees for online or inside print use up to ¼ page only. No cropping or text overlay can occur. Any usage outside of these terms must be licensed from Magnum Photos, for enquiries please contact kezia.levitas@magnumphotos.com or phone 0207 490 9700.

Notes to Editors:

Shrewsbury BID (Business Improvement District) comprises of more than 500 levy paying businesses, bringing in more than £300,000 per year for reinvestment into town centre projects and activity. The BID achieved a YES from businesses in November 2013 after 76 per cent of companies voted in favour of the BID being established. It became operational on April 1st 2014. www.shrewsburybid.co.uk
The Hive (HMM Arts Ltd) is an independent registered charity working across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. It operates a unique creative venue in Shrewsbury town centre with a 100-seat performance space, music studio, media studio and gallery. At the venue it provides high quality artistic and creative opportunities for local audiences and communities to enrich lives. It also delivers funded creative projects for people in challenging circumstances and especially children and young people. www.hiveonline.org.uk

GRAIN is an arts organisation dedicated to commissioning, facilitating and delivering ambitious, engaging and high quality photography projects, commissions, events and exhibitions. It commissions and produces new work in collaboration with artists and photographers and collaborates with major partners here and internationally to reach and inspire new audiences and participants.

www.grainphotographyhub.co.uk

Magnum Photos is an artists’ cooperative of great diversity and distinction, owned by its photographer members. Magnum Photos represents some of the world’s most renowned photographers, maintaining its founding ideals and idiosyncratic mix of journalist, artist and storyteller. For nearly 70 years Magnum Photos has been providing the highest quality photographic content to an international client base of media, charities, publishers, brands and cultural institutions. We've documented most of the world’s events and personalities since the 1930s and the Magnum Photos library is a living archive updated regularly with new work from across the globe. www.magnumphotos.com

Arts Council England is the national development agency for the arts whose mission is great art and culture for everyone. Arts Council England is committed to championing and developing the arts, museums and libraries. It is a custodian of public investment. www.artscouncil.org.uk