shopwork uses empty buildings in and around Frome as a site for sharing ambitious, high quality contemporary visual art with the diverse communities of the town and beyond. Its founders are Susie Clark and Andy Parker, a creative partnership based in Frome. 

By activating the empty spaces in the town we aim to create a sense of excitement with short term exhibitions in unexpected places. The exhibitions act as a catalyst for outreach events, talks, and multi-disciplinary critical discussion. 

In January 2024, shopwork’s pilot exhibition ‘Uncertain Objects, part 1’ took place across a weekend in an empty shop on Cheap Street and showcased the work of 18 nationally acclaimed artists with connections to the South West. Although it was not publicly advertised, it attracted over 750 visitors. The response was incredibly positive and visitors were genuinely engaged with both the art and the history of the building. 

If you have an empty space, or would like to join the shopwork mailing list, please get in touch by emailing: dearshopwork@gmail.com