The Joy of Union,

MET (Mobile Event Tent), Preston, 2022

In Certain Places/ Preston Partnership

Jenny Steele was commissioned to create an artwork for the full interior of MET, Preston's new arts and cultural space, designed by architect Charlie McKeith and In Certain Places for the City of Preston with Preston Partnership.

In response to working with a range of cultural groups in the city, and archives to research textiles used in celebrations in Preston over the years, Jenny created an artwork using painting, drawing and lino printing, which was printed onto long lasting Alupanel. The resulting artwork is a colourful, joyful artwork that wraps around the whole interior of the building like a ribbon. The works celebrates ‘the joy of union’, the feeling people have when coming together to celebrate in unison. Jenny also contributed to the colour and design of the tiered and individual seating.

You can watch a video on Jenny's research and creative process here

MET was first sited next to Preston Market with a full range of events from May-June 2022. MET will be sited on campus at UCLan, Preston in September 2022 with a new programme, followed by a tour in 2023.

With special thanks to Chris Shearston, Textbook Studio for digital editing.