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Tony Wade

Artist

What I do:

I’m a visual artist, based in Wakefield. I undertake installation commissions, large and small-scale projects, and community co-created exhibitions, and artworks, with a strong focus on places and the positive impact that can have on individuals and communities.

What steps I took to get where I am now:

I studied Fine Art at Bretton Hall between 1983 and 1986. Since then I’ve created over 200 installations, exhibitions, and artistic events across Great Britain. These range from intimate interaction with the natural environment to gigantic spectacle pieces for an audience of over 15,000.
I’ve been commissioned by many major arts organisations (including English National Opera, Opera North and The National Archives), and I’ve created work for exhibitions at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, The Hepworth Wakefield and The Art House Wakefield amongst others. Along side this work I have recently been commissioned by NHS Improvement and Health Education England to develop and implement creative ways of exploring some of the complex issues around Learning Disability and Mental Health nursing. Recently my artistic practice has more become focused on celebrating my home of Wakefield and the landscapes and communities that it contains.
I was a founding member of the Wakefield Arts Project, a board member of Wakefield District Arts, and Creative Director of Faceless Arts.
As well as freelance work I am also a Co-Director of Edgelands Arts.

What creative opportunities I'm looking for:

Commissions, Community co-creation opportunities, artistic projects

An unexpected thing about me:

I have been a professional escapologist.

My proudest moment:

Creating The Butterfly Effect project for Wakefield Council throughout lockdown (Summer 2020 to Summer 2021), along the way managing to work with 6 schools and 5 libraries in an ever-changing world, as well as engaging with people across the globe (Though The Rhubarb Shed for Wakefield Council in 2019 – 2020 is a very close second)

What does Wakefield mean to me?
Opportunity, positivity, and breathing space
My gallery
My showreel