The best street theatre and outdoor arts specialists from across the UK are to gather in Stoke-on-Trent for a weekend showcase and conference.

For The Love Of It 2014 is being held in partnership with the National Association of Street Artists and Appetite. Appetite is part of the Creative People and Places programme and is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. Appetite aims to get more people from Stoke-on-Trent to experience and be inspired by the arts.

The new St Peter’s Academy, at Fenton Manor, will play host to the event which runs from 6pm on Friday, 21 February until 3pm on Sunday, 23 February.

“This event will put Stoke-on-Trent firmly on the map as a venue for the best street artists,” said Gary Cicinskas of Appetite.

“While For The Love Of IT is not in itself a public event, city residents should watch out for some amazing street art during the weekend as the performers may break-out and bring their art to the people of Stoke-on-Trent.”

“Artists will gather at St Peter’s to trial new performances, share artistic ideas, get inspired and to discuss the street arts scene in 2014.”

Topics up for discussion include the use of public space for art at a time when less space is free to use due to a growing policy of licensing among landowners.

For The Love Of It includes the National Association of Street Artists annual general meeting.

Organisers describe the event as a cross between a weekend long party and an opportunity to share skills and ideas which is also attracting delegates from Ireland and France.

ENDS

For media enquiries contact Nigel Howle by phone on 0776204346, Email: [email protected]

Notes to Editors:

Appetite is the Creative People and Places programme taking place in Stoke-on-Trent from 2013 to 2016. Appetite aims to get more people in Stoke-on-Trent to experience and be inspired by the arts. This investment in the arts and cultural sector of the area aims to mobilise and strengthen the skills, knowledge and infrastructure that already exists within the area and provide unprecedented opportunities for more people to see, make and influence more art in the city.

The Appetite programme is funded by Arts Council England and is led by the New Vic Theatre in partnership with B Arts, Brighter Futures, Partners in Creative Learning and Staffordshire University. It is supported by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

For further information on Appetite contact Karl Greenwood, Project Director. Telephone 01782 381373 (ext 310) or email [email protected]

Visit the Appetite website at www.appetitestoke.co.uk

For further information on For the Love Of It contact Chris Squire, organiser. Telephone 01484 848070 or email [email protected]

Visit the event webpage at www.impossible.org.uk/floi-14