Abi Spendlove — Tributary

26 May – 29 June 2017

Luton based artist Abi Spendlove’s project Tributary celebrates the River Lea, which rises in and passes through Luton. Responding to the river’s original Anglo Saxon meaning – which translates as ‘Bright River’ – Spendlove will record people’s impressions of the Lea, tracking its place in local mythology as it meanders towards the Thames. She will invite visitors to participate in curated walks tracking the river’s progress through the town centre, make a new film and creating a participatory painted poem about Luton’s hidden river.

Events:
Saturday 10 June 11.00 –13.00
River walk with Abi Spendlove
Meet at the Storefront for a river walk to the lakes at Wardown Park. Pens and notepads will be provided for a creative writing activity which will take place at the park. The impressions gathered at the park will be added to the developing wall text on return to the gallery.

Saturday 17 June, 15.00 – 16.00
Screening of Mystery River and live performance from John Hegley
An opportunity to see Mystery River a filmic record of broadcaster Michael Smith’s walk from the source of the river Lea to its mouth. Conducted largely on foot Mystery River is a ‘psycho geographic’ journey presenting Smith’s poetic impressions of the Lea and its environment. Luton based poet John Hegley will perform his song about the River Lea after the event.

Location: 64 Bute Street, Luton, LU1 2EY

Tributary is organised by Departure Lounge in collaboration with Luton Culture and is part of As You Change, So Do I a three-year programme of public art events funded by Arts Council England’s Luton Investment Programme.