The Department of Psychedelic Studies is the second of three departments within Wysing Arts Centre’s programme for 2011: The Institute of Beyond. Psychedelia and art will be explored by artists Mark Essen, Hilary Koob-Sassen, Kate Owens and Damien Roach who will be in residence at Wysing for six weeks from 27 June – 12 August.

To help shape the work created by the artists during the residency period, Wysing will host a number of public events as a platform for different perspectives and ideas. On 2 July, the Department of Psychedelic Studies residency artists will be joined by writers and academics Jonathan Harris, William Rowlandson and professor Roger Buckley for a day of talks, presentations and discussions exploring the influence of psychedelia, including the screening of a film programme devised in collaboration with LUX, London. Over the weekend of 23 July, there will be the opportunity to look around the studios of over 20 artists on site. The weekend also includes the presentation of a new project in Wysing’s gallery devised by curator Paul Pieroni in collaboration with the residency artists; poet, sound and visual artist Lawrence Upton and violist and composer Benedict Taylor. A gallery presentation will be on display between 13-28 August of the work created by Mark Essen, Hilary Koob-Sassen, Kate Owens and Damien Roach during their time within the Department of Psychedlic Studies.

 On 10 September Wysing will celebrate the legacy of psychedelia with specially constructed structures, workshops, talks and live music across the site in our music festival Past Present Future Space Time.

Donna Lynas, Director of Wysing Arts Centre, says ”In the Institute of Beyond we will be challenging artists and others to embrace new ways of looking at the world and go beyond the limitations of our individual imaginations; to see what emerges through collective thinking and sharing.”

For more details and booking information, please visit: www.wysingartscentre.org or telephone 01954 718881.