'Trade and Exchange' is an arts commission that aims to delve into Exeter’s history and explore its future as an innovative, sustainable and resilient, carbon neutral city. Two artists, Naomi Hart and Emma Molony, will each take over an empty shop window in Exeter’s city centre and create temporary works of art. Inspiration for these artworks is derived from the theme of ‘trade and exchange’ and the collections at the Devon and Exeter Institution (DEI). In developing their commissions, both artists discovered stories in the DEI about 18th and 19th century research into the natural world where women’s contributions were marginalised.

On Monday 8th March 2021, we invited the artists to speak about their new commissions, and two leading academics from the University of Exeter, Dr Ceri Lewis and Dr Rebecca Lovell, to speak about their relevant research in the natural and social sciences.

Watch a recording of the event below.

Both artworks can now be viewed in empty retail units in Princesshay until 31st May.

The Trade and Exchange commissions were originally planned for installation in January 2021 but due to the pandemic lockdown they will now be on show from April. The lead partner for Trade and Exchange is Exeter Culture and is generously funded by the Liveable Exeter Programme, managed by Exeter City Council, and the Next Chapter project at the Devon and Exeter Institution, funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund.