Japanese artcraze hits Rye

It will create an exciting forum for artists in the area to show and share their work.

First devised in Tokyo in February 2003 as an event for young designers to meet, network and show their work in public, they now take place in over 500 cities all over the world and are used by everyone from professionals to families.

Translated as the art of concise presentations, Pecha Kucha nights provide an opportunity for people to show and share their work in a relaxed way through a 20 x 20 format: giving the presenter 20 seconds to respond to each of the 20 images they have chosen with anecdotes, song, music or even dance.

The School Creative Centre. in the former Tilling Green School, at New Road, will be holding regular monthly Pecha Kucha nights to which all are welcome.

The next one is on Tuesday October 15 at 6pm in the new gallery space.

Featured presenters confirmed so far include: Nick Archer, Jenny Edbrooke, Jamie Griffiths, Beverley Thornley.

Beth Martin, from the Centre, said: “We are thrilled to have been granted a licence to hold these events in Rye.

“Come along and Join us for a fun, free night of exciting presentations by artists, designers and creatives - expect the unexpected! RSVP to confirm your place or just turn up on the night.

The School Creative Centre is a cultural hub and outstanding studio facility for over 30 professional artists, performers and makers offering a dynamic programme of events and workshops for adults and young people in East Sussex and Kent based in the de-commissioned Freda Gardham school in New Road, Rye.

To view images from previous events go to http://www.pechakucha.org/cities/rye.

Earlier this year, the School Creative Centre has launched a new facility at its Rye studio complex - a print room providing facilities for mono, drypoint and solar plate printing for its resident artists and the general public. The newly acquired printing press was made possible by a capacity grant from the Arts Council and is one of many new initiates to secure the center’s place as a leading creative environment for established and emerging artists.