Art Work Exeter presents: The Exchange

Inspired by the histories and materialities of trade in the building, we are offering 5 opportunities for trades, barters, swaps and deals to be negotiated between artists, writers and members of the public across February, March and April. The residues and ephemera from these activities and performances will be assembled for exhibition, sale and exchange across the top floor of the Custom House 28th March – 14th April 2024.

Supported by Patter Scatter and Exeter Canal and Quay Trust.

1. A Social Exchange

Saturdays 1pm – 4pm 10th, 17th, 24th February and 2nd March, Exeter Custom House.

Are you an artist with an established drawing practice? Would you like to challenge and develop your work in the company of like-minded others? Can you contribute to four afternoons of experimentation leading to the production of work for exhibition? Join Art Work Exeter associate artist Volkhardt Mueller on an intensive journey of drawing discovery throughout February at Exeter Custom House.

Free to participate by submitting an expression of interest.

Use this form to REGISTER YOUR INTEREST BY MONDAY 5TH FEBRUARY.

Spaces are limited to 10 artists. If we have more than 10 artists who want to join us, Art Work Exeter will use the details you give us in your Expression of Interest to convene the group according to who we think is a best fit for the project.

2. A Thought Exchange

7pm – 9.30pm Thursday 7th March, The Long Room at Exeter Custom House.

A Patter Scatter event on the theme of Art and Value hosted by Sophia Clist, Mark Jesset and Gary Winters. Expect short hits of meaning and moments of revelation from 9 participants who will be combining images, words and sounds in 6 minute bursts. Followed by lively and convivial discussion on the evening’s theme.

Entry is by donation/Pay What You Decide. Proceeds will be divided between AWE and the artists taking part, as a donation for their time and skills. There will be a bar.

Audience limited to 50. Booking is highly recommended Book your tickets here  

 3. A Labour Exchange 

10am – 10pm Saturday 23rd March in The Long Room at Exeter Custom House.

Three artists and three writers will commit to a 12 hour silent trade in imagination to create three collaborative artworks for exhibition, sale, trade and barter. This is a drop-in event with free entry, but in line with the programme theme, visitors are invited to offer a donation towards project costs – in hard cash or gift something else you think they might value instead!

The Exchange Exhibition

The Exchange exhibition itself will be open from 28th March – 14th April, and Art Work Exeter are currently looking for volunteers who can help visitors access the artwork during the Custom House opening hours.

Get in touch with them through engage@artworkexeter.org.uk if you would like to get involved. The Exchange is curated with the support of Patter Scatter and Literature Works. 

You can find out more about The Exchange on our website