Programme Advisory Group: An Interview With Iain

Since 2023, a dedicated group of Programme Advisors have been meeting to revolutionise The Harris’ approach to programming. This group, representing the people of Preston, will soon begin to actively shape new exhibitions and events that truly resonate with our diverse audiences.

We interviewed Iain H Williams, a Programme Advisor, about getting involved in the Programme Advisory Group and his interest in art. Here’s what he had to say…

The significance of the Harris Museum and Art Gallery is an important one for myself, it was a venue during my youth that gave me access and introduction to the arts and the ability to be up close to original work by local and international artists as I began my education in art. Years later I’m proud to now be part of the process to help secure a new future for community based projects for the gallery.

As an artist, community links are key and important to create access for all members of the local area and community to the city’s cultural strategy. Amongst places such as The Birley, SHOP, The Artistry House, and the pop-up gallery space ‘The Turning Point’, Preston has a rich and diverse group of artists that we are still discovering and need to elevate and without those we are at risk of a cultural community void, so support and opportunities for new artistic expressions are crucial.

Having lived away for a period of time, I moved back to the Preston area to re-establish my art practice as an abstract painter. Since 2020 my work has been shown across multiple galleries around the region such as the Harris Museum, Grundy Blackpool, Warrington Museum of Art Gallery, as well as numerous venues within Manchester. In 2022 I was invited to create a solo exhibition at the Haworth Art Gallery, Accrington in conjunction with Creative Lancashire & took part in their ‘Conversations In Creativity’ series with a filmed interview in front of a select audience.

As well as an alumni and guest judge of Blackpool & Fylde College of Art, I recently spent a year mentoring and developing new work at the college as part of the AA2A Artist’s Project. Later this year there will be also be a new solo exhibition in Blackburn and an appearance at The Manchester Contemporary 2024.

Harris Your Place

Harris Your Place is a £16 million project set to restore and reimagine the Harris for 21st-century audiences as a cultural learning space. The aim of this project is to protect the building and the architecture for future generations whilst enhancing accessibility options and positioning the Harris as a community hub for Preston and Lancashire.

The capital project is more than simply preserving this much-loved building; Harris wants to ensure that it remains a vibrant heart of the community. A place where people want to spend their time.