Latest News

3 Minute Wonders

Metal is launching a new, five week programme for 28 artists designed to improve skills for presenting work and creative ideas in public. Starting on 23 March we are currently advertising for participants to take part in this FREE programme. For more information about what, where, when and how to sign up, click here.

Written by Colette Bailey 02 February 2010

Toku chan likes to look up

Toku chan likes to look up is a new exhibition by artist Lee Baker, presented by Metal at Temporary Art Project (TAP) the new artist-led gallery and studio complex in Southend on Sea. Toku chan is an anime character created as the alter ego of the artist. It is through Toku chan's eyes that we are presented with lush visuals, animation, music and toys in a multidisciplinary, colourful display that is the result of a life long fascination with Japanese art and its ability to simultaneously influence and absorb western culture.

The exhibition runs from 10 - 26 March at TAP, Old Essex & Suffolk Water Building, North Road, Southend on Sea SS0 7AB. For more information on the exhibition click here and scroll down.

Written by Colette Bailey 02 February 2010

Meet the artists event Thursday 28th 6.30pm

On Thursday 28th January Leo Asemota our current artist-in-residence will be taking part in an event at Kuumba Imani Millenium Centre to discuss the up and coming programme for Liverpool and the Black Atlantic, a series of exhibitions and events happening to coincide with Tate Liverpool's exhibition Afro Modern: Journeys through the Black Atlantic.

See here for more information on Leo's exhibition opening on Thursday 25th February.

If you would like to attend the discussion event please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it as there are limited places available.

Written by Colette Bailey 26 January 2010

Victorian Christmas Day at Edge Hill

On Sunday 13th December we transformed the Engine Room at Edge Hill into a seasonal setting of stalls, music, food and fancy dress. Thanks to everyone who made it such a special day. Merry Christmas!

"I don't know what to do!" cried Scrooge, laughing and crying in the same breath; and making a perfect Laocoön of himself with his stockings. "I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a school-boy. I am as giddy as a drunken man. A merry Christmas to every-body! A happy New Year to all the world! Hallo here! Whoop! Hallo!" - Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol

Written by Colette Bailey 16 December 2009

Southend's Bid to be UK City of Culture 2013

Metal have been helping Southend to prepare its bid to become UK City of Culture. Over the weekend of Friday 4th and Saturday 5th December, Chalkwell Hall hosted an open Cultural House Party and asked 12 locally based artists, writers and musicians to help stimulate ideas, support and feedback on programme ideas and the major impact that the City of Culture status could mean for Southend on Sea.

Over 250 people from the local and creative communities across Southend attended, including school pupils, cultural leaders, local elected politicians and members of the general public came for a very constructive and creative brainstorming session.

The bid is submitted today (Friday 11th December) with much of these collective ideas and flavour included. Fingers crossed.

To register your support for Southend UK City of Culture Bid click here.