Art is being used to help reinvigorate Oxford's shopping areas by turning empty stores into community galleries during the recession.

Oxford City Council has asked landlords to let vacant retail space to artists and community groups at low rents until a permanent tenant is found.

The council, which has arranged for four city premises to be converted into galleries, now wants more retail space.

Artist Phil Marston said it was a great way to bring art to new people.

'Low cost'

He said: "These spaces are great, they're on the High Street, the footfall is amazing and it's taking our work to people who might not normally go into galleries."

The four city-centre premises are Notfamousyet in St Clements, Launch Collaborative in Oxford High Street, OFVM Film in Westgate and The TOES project in Templars Square.

Bob Price, leader of Oxford City Council, said: "Artists benefit from the low cost of free space on short and temporary contracts.

"Local communities benefit from increased access to art activities in their High Street and seeing their town being brought back to life."

Original article source

A tiresome economy can bring about some nice surprises, one of those is the resurgence of Jericho as a diverse and interesting corner of Oxfordshire. As embodiment of that spirit this week, a building on the corner of Little Clarendon Street and Walton Street has been decorated with a huge mural which depicts the whole of Jericho. Created by artist Stuart Roper, this is set to become one of the newest cultural landmarks in Oxford - head down there and see what they are so proud of. While there, why not dive in to the newly refurbished Big Bang, browse the antiques and restored finds at Luscious, or visit one of the other many fantastic independent shops and restaurants!



Photo by Mark Bassett

I had the good fortune to be invited along to an Opera Cruise last week. The cruise was organised by Opera Anywhere, possibly the hardest working and most ambitious opera company I know of. This is the second summer for the 'La Dolce Vita' opera cruise, which operate on the river either on a beautiful boat from Oxford River Cruises or on more private and romantic punts. My cruise was on a 10 seater boat, which was lovely and comfortable.

The cruise starts at the Perch on Binsey Lane. The boat captain is very happy for passengers to bring along a bottle of wine or food, or he will supply the drinks himself. The Perch has a great selection of wines and cakes to make your experience even more enjoyable. Walk through the gardens of the Perch out to the river to the waiting boat.There were 7 1/2 (a baby) people on the boat comfortably seated around a table, the captain, and three singers: Mike and Vanessa Woodward, who own Opera Anywhere, and a lovely singer named Emma.

As we began our trip through Port Meadow, Emma opened her mouth and the most lovely, sweet sounds emerged. As we passed a large gaggle of geese gathering on the shores, perplexed staring fishermen and oblivious herds of cows, we enjoyed a selection of popular arias, whose meanings were well described beforehand.

The trip took us through Port Meadow, past Osney Island, through the Osney Lock, under Folly Bridge to the University boat houses and back. There was a fantastic moment when the boat paused under Folly Bridge as Mike sang the crowd pleasing Nessun Dorma. The bridge created a fantastic reverberation which was greatly appreciated by those drinking outside at the Head of the River Pub, who gave Mike a large round of applause as we floated by. Taking full advantage of their surroundings, Opera Anywhere sang us through the Lock both times, which also created a unique and magical sound.

Aside from the occasional jeers from the shores (which were highly amusing to us on the boat), most of the people we passed by waved, smiled, sang along for a moment, or looked a little surprised. I have lived in Oxford for many years and have never taken the opportunity to get onto the river, aside from the occasional punting. The Opera Cruise is a most enjoyable experience that I would highly recommend to anyone - regardless of whether or not you like Opera. The arias are all very 'accessible' and there's a good balance of humour, sadness and beauty in their choices of songs. The whole experience is very special. The Opera Cruises are good for couples, friends, families, businesses, and anyone else looking for a unique, special and memorable experience in Oxford.

The cruise takes just under two hours and can be booked by contacting Opera Anywhere online or by telephone 01865 735910

Reviewed by Alissa Robinson, editor of Oxford City Guide

Quite the oddest, but most fantastic, quintessentially Oxfordshire experience. To arrive at the wonderful Perch Inn in Binsey, to be led to an eight man boat, bobbing on the water, where 3 opera singers will serenade you as you glide down through Oseney Lock and past the University boat houses.

We enjoyed Rossini, Pavarotti and any number of other, eloquently explained opera numbers as the ducks scattered from out watery path, exploring an area of Oxfordshire that the common garden tourist never really gets to see. This is exciting, unpredictable and wonderfully quintessential Oxfordshire entertainment, which should rank alongside punting as one of Oxfordshire's 'Must Have's'

Reviewed by: Max Mason

Quite the oddest, but most fantastic, quintessentially Oxfordshire experience. To arrive at the wonderful Perch Inn in Binsey, to be led to an eight man boat, bobbing on the water, where 3 opera singers will serenade you as you glide down through Oseney Lock and past the University boat houses.

We enjoyed Rossini, Pavarotti and any number of other, eloquently explained opera numbers as the ducks scattered from out watery path, exploring an area of Oxfordshire that the common garden tourist never really gets to see. This is exciting, unpredictable and wonderfully quintessential Oxfordshire entertainment, which should rank alongside punting as one of Oxfordshire's 'Must Have's'

Reviewed by: Max Mason

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