OWT & ABOUT PRINT: FOUNDATION PRESS
2025
Owt & About Print is a unique project designed to bring the joy and creativity of printmaking to communities across County Durham. Portable printmaking kits and workshops provide individuals with the tools and knowledge to create their own prints, creating a new opportunity for artistic expression, connecting to a creative community and growing their creative practice.
Foundation Press, led by Deborah Bower and Adam Phillips, have been commissioned to develop and lead on this project. They devise and create community-publishing and collaborative art and design projects. They are working with communities across the County to develop different bookable printmaking packs to suit people’s ambition and teach printmaking techniques to create an exciting community printmaking resource for anyone to book and borrow.
What’s the big idea?
The project team envision "Owt & About Print" as a sustainable and impactful project that will provide ongoing opportunities for community members to engage with printmaking and express themselves creatively.
Through a series of workshops and use of portable kits, the project aims toc create a sense of creative empowerment and belonging, whilst building skills, and inspiring creativity in all who participate in this people-powered print project.
The Printmaking Kits
The project aims to develop and deliver a series of portable printmaking kits, each containing materials and instructions for a specific printmaking process. These kits will be designed for use in various community venues and settings, empowering individuals to explore different print techniques and create their own artwork.
Workshop Experience
In addition to the kits, the project is offering printmaking workshops that guide participants through the use of each kit and a general understanding of the printmaking process, providing hands-on instruction and support. These workshops will also create a space for participants to learn from each other, share their experiences, and enjoy building their new creative community.
(Left) Deborah Bower & Adam Phillips (Right) of Foundation Press.
Phase 1 is currently live: Research, Development, and Testing
The first phase of the project will focus on researching and developing the portable printmaking kits. Adam and Deborah will collaborate with with printmaker Hannah Gawne to identify and select suitable print processes, gather necessary materials, and design comprehensive instructions for each kit.
Once the kits are developed, pilot workshops will be delivered in selected community centres to test their effectiveness and gather feedback from participants. This feedback will be used to refine the kits and ensure they meet the needs of the community.
Watch this space for updates as the project evolves!
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Project Partners:
— The brilliant No More Nowt Cultural Hubs
— The other excellent community partners
— Foundation Press (Adam Phillips & Deborah Bower)
— Printmaker Hannah Gawne
— Commissioned by No More Nowt and funded by funded by Arts Council England.
