During 2020 and 2021 Cast commissioned two artists through the Here and Now project to create work inspired by Cast and the people of Doncaster. The artwork Spirit of Cast by Chinwe Russell, and The Magic of Wild Heather by Al Heighton can be enjoyed at Cast in the exhibition area in the café.
Spirit of CAST
Chinwe Russell
ACRYLIC on Canvas, 2020
This is a representation of the important role that Cast plays in our community. I visit Cast regularly and each time I enter the building, it feels like I am entering into the belly of a huge ship which will take me on a cultural journey of a lifetime. And so, this became the principal theme for the work. Everyone has a ticket and they must be at Cast at that time. Some come on the journey on their own, by any means, others are brought on the journey. Everyone is welcome, irrespective of who you are, what you are and where you come from. Cast means many things to many people. What does it mean to you?
The Magic of Wild Heather
Al Heighton
“For this project, from the start I wanted to document and produce reportage style drawings. I’ve created a number of drawings in sketchbooks as well as the framed pieces before you.
The whole project proved to be a great departure for me rather than producing my normal visual language, as I often get commissioned by clients to create more academic drawings. I’m hoping the company of the play can identify themselves in some of the drawings. If they do, I’ve achieved my aim.
It was fantastic to sit in rehearsals, drawing and documenting and understanding theatre life, bringing me to the final framed artwork. This has definitely been one of my favourite projects of 2021.”
