Businesses encouraged to take part in Bury St Edmunds art trail

Businesses across Bury St Edmunds are being encouraged to showcase pieces of art in a unique trail as part of two festivals.

Independent and chain stores in the town centre will be able to display works for sale by East Anglian artists in the windows of their premises from May 8 to 27.

The initiative, which will include 3D work, paintings, drawings, fine art prints, fine art photography and textiles, forms part of the Suffolk Festival of Ideas and Bury Festival.

Cate Hadley, of Bury-based Hadley Exhibitions, came up with the idea to demonstrate how art can connect with business and enable retailers to connect with the community.

She said: “I think some people are a little bit wary or intimidated by going into art galleries and I wanted to bring some amazing art right out there into the public domain.

“It will be a win-win situation for everybody. The businesses and artists get publicity.”

She has already secured spaces for 20 pieces of art and is aiming to get 40.

Buinesses taking part include Javelin with work depicting Keith Richards made from silk and fabrics and Paddy & Scotts will showcase a lino print of tea cups.

Suffolk County Cllr Mark Ereira-Guyer, director of the Suffolk Festival of Ideas, has helped kickstart the trail by granting funds from his locality budget.

Premier Printers is providing 1,000 trail leaflets which will be available from the Tourist Information Centre at The Apex and all participating stores.

The businesses take a percentage of any art sold.

Anyone who is interested should call Cate on 07966550753 or email catehadley@btinternet.com