OVADA Warehouse Gallery hosts ‘The Washing Line’ + Mandala Theatre Company + On the Edge 2.0

On 20 July 2024, OVADA Warehouse Gallery buzzed with energy as it became a centre of creativity, exchange and thought-provoking art + performances

Hosting these diverse and impactful events filled us with pride as OVADA Warehouse Gallery became a hub where art addressed global issues. The convergence of the ‘Uncaging Our World Festival’, ‘On the Edge 2.0’ art exhibition, and ‘The Washing Line’ art installation illustrated the power of art to unite, reflect and inspire

Welcoming Mandala Theatre Company’s Uncaging Our World Festival

We were thrilled to welcome the Uncaging Our World Festival, a dynamic initiative spearheaded by Yasmin Sidhwa, Director of Mandala Theatre Company. It was heartening to see young people from eight different countries come together in our space, sharing their talents and visions. The festival featured evocative poetry by Mandala Theatre’s Luis and Mya Fraser and lively song and dance performances by Lithuania’s Mazoji Teatro Akademija Company 

We were also honoured by the presence of Dr. James Fry, acting on behalf of the Mayor, who said of Mandala’s Festival

The festival’s theme urges collective action towards a sustainable future and is on until the 27th July 2024 in a variety of venues across Oxford and all events are free for 16 - 30 year olds

this is a chance to meet people, see performances and enjoy different cultures despite the artificial barriers which have been created by Brexit
— Dr. James Fry, acting on behalf of the Mayor
it’s amazing to have Mandala festival launched here as the young people bring so much energy, with music and poetry - we really value the work that Mandala do
— OVADA trustee Rachel Barbaresi

The Washing Line: A Community Art Installation

Adding to the day’s artistic tapestry, we were delighted to showcase Hayley Stevenson’s ‘The Washing Line’ handkerchief installation.

This project, which began at the Bridge Street Community Garden in Banbury, features flags and artworks that explore themes of peace and human rights

The installation attracted new contributions and demonstrated the ongoing impact of community-driven art

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Hosting On the Edge 2.0: Art in Times of Turmoil

Simultaneously, our gallery proudly hosted the ‘On the Edge 2.0’ exhibition by the Royal Society of Sculptors. Co-curated by Denise Bryan and Tere Chad, this powerful collection reflected on global issues such as sickness, war, and the climate crisis.

Inspired by the poignant words of Ukrainian poet Boris Khersonsky, the exhibition encapsulates the resilience and depth of human experience in troubled times

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