Arts Cafe: The Art of Imagination with Harvey Taylor

What happens when we give ourselves permission to think a little differently?

For our next Arts Cafe, we're welcoming artist and performance poet Harvey Taylor for an evening exploring imagination, creative thinking and the importance of art in our everyday lives.

Harvey will be leading a series of creative exercises for everyone to get involved in, encouraging us to experiment with ideas, challenge our usual ways of thinking and see where our imaginations might take us. There'll also be plenty of opportunity for conversation about how creative practice can influence the way our brains work, and why creativity matters not just to artists, but to education, society and the communities we live in.

The evening will also offer a rather unusual introduction to Harvey's upcoming exhibition, Dada Luz, which opens at Bear Steps Gallery on 25 October.

Created by Harvey, Dada Luz is an imagined civilisation with its own inhabitants, beliefs and social structures. It's a world populated by strange creatures, demons, deities and figures known as The Men Who Know They Are Right, exploring everything from the limitations of certainty to the power of creativity to connect and unite us.

At the heart of this imaginary world is a simple belief: artists create and enhance communities. It's an idea that feels particularly relevant to what we do here at English Bridge Studios.

And rather than simply telling us about Dada Luz, Harvey will be bringing some of its inhabitants along, with members of the exhibition's performance cast joining us in character. Quite what they'll have to say for themselves remains to be seen!

Whether you're an artist, someone interested in how creativity shapes the way we think, or simply curious about the wonderfully strange world Harvey has created, we'd love you to join us.

As always, Arts Cafe is an informal and welcoming evening of creativity, conversation and good company. You don't need any artistic experience to take part, just a little curiosity and an open mind.

About Dada Luz

Dada Luz is an exhibition of art and finds from an enigmatic imagined civilisation, created by Harvey Taylor.

Through artwork, storytelling and performance, Harvey explores the relationships between creativity, human behaviour and community, building a world that ultimately celebrates the healing and unifying power of art.

The exhibition runs from 25 October to 7 November 2026 at Bear Steps Gallery, Shrewsbury, with a special private view and performance on Saturday 31 October, 6–8.30pm.

Find out more about Harvey and his work at harveytaylorsblog.com

About Arts Cafe

Arts Cafe is our regular series of creative evenings at English Bridge Studios, bringing people together to explore ideas, learn something new and enjoy a bit of creative company. Each session is different, with visiting artists, talks, demonstrations and opportunities to get involved. Everyone is welcome, whether you're a practising artist or simply curious. Sessions run from 7–9pm and cost £10 per person, with proceeds helping to support English Bridge Studios and the creative community we're building here in Shrewsbury.