Launched in 2021 The Wireworks Project is an initiative set up and developed by artists Ivan Smith and Anthony Shepherd.
The Wireworks Project is a studio, workshop, gallery and project space. Set on the edge of two amazing environments; the old Wireworks at Ambergate and Shining Cliff Woods a protected ancient wood set along the river Derwent.
Our aim at Wireworks Project is to facilitate residencies, workshops, exhibitions, and interactions with the beautiful environment that the space inhabits.
We want to work with and alongside artists that embrace ecological preservation, and are curious to investigate mans relentless advances in manufacturing, production and invention that the site is also an exemplar for, particularly in its heyday when producing and distributing wire and cabling throughout the world.
These two opposing worlds collide at the fault line between the man-made production and the ancient wood that our studio finds itself on. We want to highlight, explore, converse, examine and play with these provocations along with new audiences in the heart of the Derbyshire countryside.
We are delighted to be working alongside partner organisations QUAD, Artcore and Forestry England in the UK, alongside Sandarbh in India and Grashalminstitut and Kries Gallery in Germany.