A new temporary art installation, The Heat Shop, will be coming to Swindon in November and providing visitors with FREE products, resources, and information to help reduce energy bills this winter. Created by theatre director Helen Morley and designed by artist Ellie Shipman, The Heat Shop will be turning a creative lens on the current energy crisis, offering a combination of art, films, and live performance for visitors to engage with – all for free.
The event will take place at Artsite in Swindon’s cultural quarter on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th November, between 9am and 5pm. On entry, visitors will be given a coupon allowing them to choose 3 energy saving products to take home for free. They’ll have an opportunity to find out more about the 10 items on offer by exploring the exhibition and watching a series of comedic product demo films created with Light-Up Media. Once they have made their selection, they’ll proceed to the check-out where they’ll encounter a short live performance as they wait for their products to be prepared. As they exit, audiences will have a chance to contribute to an ongoing art installation sharing their own views on the energy crisis.
Energy advisors from Warm and Safe Wiltshire and Citizens Advice will also be available to provide further advice and support to visitors on the day at The Heat Shop’s Advice Station.
Jo Hillier, Energy Caseworker said, “Warm and Safe Wiltshire are looking forward to speaking to lots of Swindon residents at the Heat Shop. I will be there on Saturday to answer residents’ questions about all things energy – whether that’s about energy bills, prepayment meters, heating controls, draught-proofing or simply top tips on how to stay warm for less money.”
In addition, anyone who is interested in further exploring their own artistic response to the crisis will be encouraged to come along to a follow up workshop and to collaborate on creating a new art piece in Swindon in 2023.
Heat Shop creator Helen, said, “There will be a wide range of products available over the weekend that help prevent draughts, improve hot water efficiency, reduce electricity use and maximise central heating, alongside sketches and performances to watch and enjoy. We hope the experience will be as fun as it is useful and spark some interesting conversations and creative responses amongst our visitors.”
Designer Ellie added, “The Heat Shop is a fantastic opportunity to invite the public to learn about and share their views on the energy crisis in a playful, creative, and honest way.”
There is no advance booking system – visitors can turn up on the day, like any other shop! BSL interpretation will be available at select times, please contact info@theheatshop.co.uk for more information. The Heat Shop is made possible by funding from Arts Council England.
