The Fire Within
The Galleries | TFW HQ and Emoji Stage | Wigan
Past
We Will Always Be Together XX
📆Past exhibition
'Digital Wigan' will be explored through an exciting new show called 'We Will Always Be Together xx', a world where tech is more important than ever.
Elle Bulger: Videogames and Art
📆Friday 23rd April 2021, 1pm
Visual artist Elle Bulger creates dreamlike art pieces applying digital techniques primarily used in aspects of videogame development to create truly captivating, interactive, and immersive works. The nature of this medium allows Elle to shape their art into something truly unique, Transforming how digital art can be experienced and shifting the way that videogames are viewed by the arts community. This interview will explore the inspirations behind their decision to pursue a career in videogame artistry, delving into the creative processes behind Elle’s thought-provoking narrative project Methuselah which she completed last year for FACT Liverpool. The relationship between fine art and videogames will be discussed in-depth, examining how the cultural community views this shift into the virtual realm of digital interactive pieces and if they will ever truly be accepted as conventional art.
We Are Flame
📆Thursday 22nd April 2021
Throughout lockdown, young people have been dealt a raw deal and government and the media has become preoccupied with the idea that they will become a ‘lost generation’. We Are Flame challenges this perception and celebrates the talent, passion, creativity and resilience of young people in Wigan who are waiting to step up to the challenge of post pandemic life, not just catch up on what they have missed.
Heritage and Local Food
📆Wednesday 21st April 2021, 11am-12.30pm
Ahead of 'Stop Food Waste Day' on the 28th April, Archives Wigan & Leigh have teamed up with Food Action Together (Age UK Wigan Borough) to host a talk all about local recipes from the Wigan Borough. We'll be talking about their research into the heritage of local recipes, sharing some for you to try and talking about the best recipes to reduce food waste. Everyone who attends will be given a small pack of digital recipes from our local Archives for you to try at home!
How to Collect a Videogame by The National Videogame Museum
📆Friday 16th April, 1pm-2pm
Join the curators of the UK’s National Videogame Museum as they take you on a journey through their book ‘A History of Videogames in 14 Consoles, 5 Computers, 2 Arcade Cabinets...and an Ocarina of Time’. As the title might suggest, this is a history of videogames...in things. Things? Why things? Surely videogames are digital? For sure, videogames are about graphics and sound, they are about zeros and ones, data and code, bits and bytes and pixels and sprites, but they’re so much more than that, too. They are joysticks and mice, computers and consoles, collectible plush toys and Barbie dolls, soundchips and, importantly, ocarinas (of time). Videogames are things we play with. They are playthings. But let’s not forget that they are things.
Titanic – Saviours, Scoundrels and Scapegoats by Caroline Heaven
📆Thursday 15th April 2021, 1-2pm
On the 15th April 1912, the Titanic sank just four days into her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City. Of the 2240 passengers and crew on board, more than 1500 sadly lost their lives in the disaster. Join historian Caroline Heaven on the anniversary of the tragedy as she tells the story of the ‘Bolton Boys’, two local captains who played very different roles on that fateful night.
The History of Videogames: Presented by The North West Computer Museum
📆Friday 9th April, 1pm-2pm
Our current exhibition at The Fire Within “WE WILL ALWAYS BE TOETHER XX” is an exploration of the computer age and the digital worlds we inhabit. Video games are one of the most important artforms to emerge from this new era, they are the perfect combination of art and technology. This has inspired us to introduce a series of online lectures all about gaming and how this artform has evolved into the multi-billion-dollar industry it is today. Our first talk in this series will be presented by the North West Computer Museum’s Joseph Kay who will be discussing their amazing collection of vintage consoles and arcade cabinets, guiding you through a detailed journey of video game history, discovering hidden gems and interesting stories.
The History Beneath our Feet: Wigan’s Geological Heritage by Simon Davies
📆Friday 26th March 2021: 1pm-2pm
Join us for an in-depth discussion of the geological heritage of our borough, piecing together the factors that contributed to the creation of the mineral rich ground upon which we walk. Through extensive research, local geologist Simon Davies will explain how our combustible landscape was formed thousands of years before Wigan’s inception while referencing the hardships and harsh conditions of Victorian era coal mining compared to modern practices.
Wigan’s Radical Women: 100 Years of Reforming Activism 1819-1919 by Yvonne Eckersley
📆Thursday 8th March 2021, 1-2pm
Following years of bitter struggle, some women gained the right to vote in 1918. They eventually gained the same voting rights as men in 1928. It was 1970 before they achieved equal pay. In the long fight for recognition, some local trailblazers favoured direct action, while others fought in different ways. Join us on International Women’s Day for a talk by Yvonne Eckersley as she shares evidence of female activism in Wigan that challenges the perceived understanding that in the struggle to create a better world, women, especially working-class women, remained passive and left political and industrial activism to men or middle-class women.
Alan Turing’s Manchester: 20th Century Industrial History and Social Injustice
📆Friday 5th March 2021: 4pm
Al and Al's Prix de Jury award-winning film The Creator, in our latest exhibition, explores Alan Turing’s life in the setting of a psychotherapy session. This introduction provides the foundation for #TheFireWithin’s first digital talk on Alan Turing! Manchester is proud of Alan Turing but does it deserve to be? Jonathan Swinton will use his recent biography of Alan Turing’s Manchester to explore the paradoxical way Manchester takes pride in its role and simultaneously condemns what happened.
#CodeBreakerChallenge
9th – 15th November 2020: 11am & 3pm
We need you help to reignite The Fire Within, whilst we are closed for lockdown. For Maths Week and to honour Alan Turing, who features in our latest exhibition, each day this week at 11am The Fire Within will post a #CodeBreakerChallenge to crack on our social media channels. We will then reveal the answer at 3pm. Find it on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Love is a Rebellious Bird
Previous exhibition: November 2019 - August 2020
Launching across 4 installation spaces curator’s AL and AL bring together artists from across the region to re-open the heart of Wigan town centres ground breaking new public space for culture to make actions, statements, protests and dream up a new world we can all share and fall in love with. Read more about the exhibition.
Recycled Paper Love Bird Making Workshop
Saturday 22nd February 2020: 11.30am - 1.30pm
We’re hosting a Crafts Workshop with Artist: Liz Chapman to end half-term. Create these beautiful Love Birds using upcycled wrapping paper. Liz’s plastic Love Nests in #TheFireWithin also raise the issue of waste in our world today.
Emoji Print Making Workshops
18th - 22nd February 2020: 11am - 2pm
We are having creative drop-in sessions all week long during half term where you can print your own emoji face. Bring your own clothing to give it a fresh feel or use our material scraps for your own keepsake. Visit The Fire Within HQ between 11-12 and 1-2 Mon-Sat.
International Women’s Day Celebration and Brave: Family Film Matinee
Saturday 7th March 2020: 11am
Stand together as sisters with us today and celebrate International Women’s Day down here at The Fire Within! Hear from our incredibly dedicated CEO Alison McKenzie-Folan from Wigan Council, see the fabulously talented WigLe Dance, hear the brilliantly bold Louise Fazackerly and the Sunshine House Writers Group. Then we have an empowering statement from of #Herstory from our Youth Cabinet, Tania Allard will highlight the shortage of women in tech, Al and Al will explain our current ”Love is a Rebellious Bird” exhibition, Ghislaine Howard will give a tour of her artwork, before Leigh Film screen Disney Pixar’s Brave!
Kung Fu Panda screening
Saturday 1st February 2020: 1pm
Come celebrate Chinese New Year with us as Leigh Film Society will be screening Kung Fu Panda at 1pm on Saturday 1st February. Free entry.
Mary Poppins Returns screening
Saturday 2nd January 2020: 1pm
Leigh Film Society will bring Disney's Mary Poppins Returns to be screened across the Emoji Stage.
Holocaust Memorial Activities
Saturday 25th January 2020: 11am - 3pm
An Art Installation at The Fire Within as well as a "Drop-In" Session where there will be an opportunity for anyone to write a reflection in a flame template which will be made into one "Giant" Flame showing how we can all "Stand Together" against discrimination.
Holocaust Memorial Service
Friday 24th January 2020: 2pm - 3pm
Wigan Borough’s commemorations for Holocaust Memorial Day 2020 will take place on Friday 24th January at The Fire Within. The theme this year is ‘Stand Together’ and marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.
Brass Ensemble with Bolton Music Service
Saturday 21st December: 12.30pm - 1.30pm
Christmas-themed Brass Band Performance in The Fire Within HQ.
Christmas Choir Festival
Saturday 14th December: 11am - 3pm
Join us for Christmas Choir Festival at TFW HQ. The event will feature performances from St James School Choir, Wigan & Leigh Performing Arts Choir, Manchester Camerata Choir, Lifelines Choir, Community Choir, Age UK Choir.
Louise Fazackerley Book Launch
Friday 13th December: 6.30pm
Join us for the book launch of 'The Lolitas' by Louise Fazackerley at TFW HQ.
Joann Fletcher Egyptian Talk
Monday 9th December: 4.30pm - 5.30pm
We are thrilled to announce the fabulous Joann Fletcher will be giving a lecture hosted by the Museum of Wigan Life! Join us for an evening of Lost Queens, Female Pharaohs and much more.
Nightmare Before Christmas: Family Film Matinee
Saturday 7th December: 1pm - 3pm
Leigh Film Society will bring Nightmare Before Christmas to be screened across the Emoji Stage.
Beauty and the Beast Pantomime by Wigan and Leigh College
Thursday 5th December: 11am - 6pm
The Fire Within is excited to host the super talented performing arts students from Wigan and Leigh College who will be performing 'Beauty and the Beast'! Pantomime matinee at 1pm and evening at 5pm - Free Entry.
Setting Fires: Raising Aspirations through Culture hosted by ENGAGE
Wednesday 20th November: 1.30pm - 4pm
Join Engage North West for a meeting exploring insights into the early development of the Cultural Manifesto, and consider the role of art and artists in shaping, transforming and repurposing public policies and spaces.
Pocahontas screening
Saturday 2nd November: 1pm
Leigh Film Society will bring Disney's Pocahontas to be screened across the Emoji Stage.
"Halloween" Themed Artist Workshop with Anna F C Smith
Saturday 26th October: 12noon - 2pm
Join artist Anna FC Smith in creating something spooky at our family friendly Halloween themed workshop.
Sushi Skills
Friday 25th October: 11.30am - 1pm
FREE for all ages. Come along to The Little Kitchen and have a go at rolling your very own Sushi! Learn about one of our Borough ‘Icons’, Leigh born Kathleen Mary Drew Baker, whose discoveries led to the efficient farming of seaweed for Sushi Nori. Book your place
The Artist Within - Creative Drop In
Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th October: 11am - 3pm
Come along to the galleries, get inspired, and independently explore your creative skills. Resources are provided, and TFW team will be on hand for any help or guidance you may need.
Parent and baby classes
Tuesday 22nd October: 11.30am - 12.30pm
Free community session for parents and babies up to two years old. Come along with your little ones to light up The Fire Within and make some noise at Wigan's amazing Emoji Stage.
WigLe Dance Studio auditions
Saturday 12th October: 11am
Dancing on the emoji ceiling at HQ. Will the stars align for your WN Dance company audition? Anyone aged 12-21 is welcome to the dance workshops. No preparation is needed, just your dancing shoes.
Leigh Film Society Family Matinee
Saturday 5th October: 1pm
Disney's The Little Mermaid.
Leigh Film Society and COSPLAY
Saturday 7th September: 11am - 3pm
Costume Competition and Spiderman Screening.
Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Gathering
Monday 2nd September: 2pm - 5pm
The gathering will be taking place at TFW HQ.
Al and Al Public Tour of TFW
Saturday 31st August: 12.30pm - 2.30pm
A guided tour through the exhibitions at TFW in the Galleries.
Zach Carpenter: Folk Singer/Songwriter and Local Busker
Saturday 17th August: 12.30pm
Come and watch local talent Zach perform at TFW HQ.
Wigan Pride
Saturday 10th August: 1pm
Wigan will host Wigan Pride on Saturday 10th August and the whole community is invited to come along and enjoy the day.
Disney's Dumbo
Saturday 3rd August: 1pm
Come and watch Dumbo taking flight in Tim Burton's reimagining of Disney masterpiece at Family Matinee screening. Free entry.
Saxophonist Matthew Dickman
Saturday 27th July: 1pm
Dissolve into the dreamy sax sounds of summer from Matthew Dickman.
Premiere of Restorative Justice Film with Odd Arts
Tuesday 23rd July: 1pm - 3pm
Watch the film which will be screened at TFW HQ.
WigLe Dance Festival
Saturday 20th July: 11am - 3pm
The dance festival will be held at TFW HQ.
GMP Police Symphonic Wind Band
Saturday 13th July: 12.30 - 12.45pm
Come and watch the GMP Police Symphonic Wind Band play at TFW HQ.
The Lion King
Saturday 5th July: 1pm
Can you feel the love tonight? The world in perfect harmony, with all its living things. The Lion King takes us on a journey of love, courage and destiny. Walt Disney made films for the child within us.
Livia Lazar Photography
Monday 1st July: 11am - 3pm
Livia Lazar, AL and AL, Anna FC Smith, Aaron Pearce, Dustin Lyon.
Talk
Saturday 29th June: 11am - 2pm
Michael Howard Lecture on Theodore Major.
Poetry
Saturday 22nd June: 1pm
Open mic poetry with Louise Fazackerley and writers from INK INC.
Poetry
Saturday 15th June: 1pm
Poetry with Louise Fazackerley and the writers from Sunshine House.
Inside Out
Saturday 8th June: 12.30pm
Leigh Film Society Childrens Matinee.
Exhibition Tour
Saturday 1st June: 1.30pm
A public tour with Al & Al with Sun Curves performing on the Emoji stage.
Poetry
Monday 20th May: 1pm
Poetry with Louise Fazackerley.
Music and Art
Saturday 18th May: 1.30pm
The Surgeiacs will be performing on the Emoji Stage followed by Wigan College Performing Arts group.
The Fire Within Festival
Saturday 11th May: 10am - 3pm
The official launch of The Fire Within Festival and the grand opening of all the exhibitions.
