IOU launches the Creation Centre with Culturedale: Artist Showcase, part of the region’s Year of Culture

For nearly five decades, under the visionary guidance of Artistic Director and founder member David Wheeler, IOU has cultivated a distinctive body of original work characterised by a unique approach and presented in diverse settings across the UK and internationally. Not content with standing still, following David’s departure last year, the company has transitioned to a Creation Centre supporting artists to develop, produce and tour work at the intersection of contemporary art, engineering, technology, and academic enquiry. 

IOU Creation Centre aims to spark and empower artists and participants to embrace originality and create innovative art and immersive environments fuelled by imagination and curiosity with a mixed programme of Labs, Art School, and Presents. Based at Dean Clough Mills in Halifax, the IOU Creation Centre is 10,000 square feet of studio, workshop, and gallery space along with the IOU Hebden Bridge Hostel, which hosts artists, visitors and audiences. 

The Creation Centre launches on Thursday 27 June, 2024 with a preview of Culturedale: IOU Artist Showcase. Presented as part of Calderdale’s vibrant year of culture celebrations, the showcase offers a unique glimpse into boundary-pushing creations from the region’s finest talents commissioned in 2023 to develop new projects. 

Seven artists will present an array of new works, ranging from a mesmerising ‘Salon of Curlews’ and an immersive haunted house experience to VR explorations of retinal landscapes, folklore zines, and intricately hand-woven works of art. Themes of environment, belonging, and identity are entwined throughout the installations, launching  IOU’s Creation Centre with a six-week journey of artistic discovery.

Complementing the exhibition, IOU will host a rich programme of wrap-around activities including workshops, artist talks, and engaging interactive sessions.