Mobile Event Tent (MET)

The MET (Mobile Event Tent) is a unique temporary mobile structure. The main structure of the octangular MET is formed from four customised 20 ft, special high cube shipping containers with side opening doors. These are linked by an internal demountable floor and when combined with access ramps produce a completely accessible space for everyone. The structure is enveloped in a translucent stretch tent fabric, creating a bespoke fully equipped adaptable space which can be an auditorium with tiered retractable seating for 100 people, or a venue twelve meters square. Its flexible interior accommodated, theatre, cinema, dance, music, exhibitions, workshops, meals, community events and much more.

Its mobility means that it can visit places across the city to broaden participation in cultural activities. It moves beyond the confines of the city centre, venturing into neighbourhoods where cultural opportunities are low. By bringing the arts directly to communities of economic disadvantage, the MET ensures that everyone has a chance to participate, learn, develop skills, and be inspired. All its components pack down into four shipping containers which are then transported to its next site ready to pop up again.

It is an important piece of community cultural infrastructure that is playing a key role in continuing the provision of cultural events and attractions in the city for future years.

The MET has been featured in designboom here and Corridor 8 here.

Artist: Research Design, Jenny Steele, Gavin Renshaw, Professor Charles Quick
Location: Preston
Year: 2021-present
Partners: Preston City Council, Preston Partnership, Town Fund Board
MET has been designed by project architect Charlie MacKeith of Research Design in partnership with Professor Charles Quick of In Certain Places . The visual artist Jenny Steele has worked with different cultural groups within the city to create decoration that wraps all the internal walls, while co ordinating the overall colour scheme. Resulting in a magical interior that reflects Preston’s diverse cultural heritage. Gavin Renshaw has painted the large thunderbird identification numbers on the 4 containers.
The MET project has been developed by In Certain Places in partnership with Preston City Council, the Preston Partnership and supported by the Preston Town Fund Board.

In Certain Places

VB005A, Victoria Building
University of Central Lancashire
Preston, PR1 2HE
info@incertainplaces.org

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