The first exhibition in the newly refurbished temporary display space at Perth Art Gallery is set to open on Saturday 29 June 2024. The Fleapit Theatre, an exhibition curated by the Culture Perth and Kinross Youth Collective will invite visitors to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the art of cinema from the last 100 years.
The Fleapit Theatre will take visitors on an immersive, tongue in cheek, and sometimes critical journey through the art of cinema over the past 100 years, featuring film projectors, classic movie posters, and more. There will also be the chance to view some classic cartoons from the 1930s and 1940s, such as Betty Boop and Superman.
The exhibition has been curated by The Youth Collective, a group of enthusiastic young people aged 16- 25 from across Perth and Kinross who have led on all aspects of the concept, development and delivery of the exhibition. They have worked alongside Gallery staff, gaining insights into heritage careers, boosted their skill sets and CVs and engaged with staff to help make Culture Perth and Kinross venues more appealing and accessible to young people. The Youth Collective and their work are generously funded by The Gannochy Trust.
Rebecca McEwan from the Culture Perth and Kinross Youth Collective said “The opportunity to curate the Fleapit Theatre is indescribable. To be able to work with whole teams of professionals at such a young age is amazing, and, as an artist, will give me the confidence and experience to put on shows of my own! I think I’m more excited to see it finished than anyone else!”
Ashleigh Hibbins, Head of Audiences and Learning of Culture Perth and Kinross added, “We’re delighted to be working with the Youth Collective on delivering this fantastic new exhibition, the first in our newly-refurbished temporary exhibition space at Perth Art Gallery. It’s been a privilege to hand over our spaces, collections, and staff expertise to showcase the creativity, talent, and voices of local young people.
Ahead of the exhibition opening, Perth Art Gallery is also hosting a special late-night event, 200 Years Late on Friday 28 June. The event celebrates 200 years of Perth Art Gallery, 150 years since the birth of JD Fergusson, whose permanent collection has recently been redisplayed in Perth Art Gallery, and 100 years of cinema with the launch of The Fleapit Theatre. Visitors to the event will gain the exclusive chance to see, smell and experience the world of cinema. Tickets for 200 Years Late are available from Perthshire Box Office and cost £8 for Young Scot members, £10 for concessions and £12 for adults.
The Fleapit Theatre opens on 29 June 2024 at Perth Art Gallery. Admission is free, donations are welcome.
The exhibition has been supported by The Gannochy Trust, Perth Playhouse, Kilmac Ltd and Taylors Snacks.