Art B&B is an independent art hotel and venue located on Blackpool’s glorious seafront. The classic Victorian hotel has been completely renovated and re-imagined by 30+ contemporary artists and provides an utterly unique experience for any guest who stays there. Better still, the hotel is a community interest company which re-invests profits made from the business back in to the local creative community! So when you spend one night in an Art B&B bedroom, you are quite literally supporting the arts, whilst you sleep!
Like all other businesses, Art B&B was badly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic but to make things worse, they had only been open a few months before Corona Virus struck! But come August they were ready to re-open their doors and they commissioned me to create a virtual party to celebrate their re-launch. (Probably because they know I like a good party!)
I created ‘The Virtual Arty, Art B&B Pyjama Party’a live, 2.5 hour long, digital event in which (after being locked in the hotel alone) I invited our audiences to become a ‘virtual’ guest for one night only.
During the show I chatted all things queer art and Polari with artist Jez Dolan, featured the premiere of a brand new, bespoke song and music video (created especially for the show) from the hilarious comedy-music act Black Liver, made (disastrous) cocktails and hosted an interactive art quiz! All that PLUS lots of music, singing and dancing challenges in an evening that culminated in a well-earned ‘virtual sleepover.’
The event was a one-off, but you can watch the quick round up and advert I created for Art B&B here.
The project was supported through public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and was also proudly supported by LeftCoast.
Check out Art B&B here – www.artbb.org
