The Museum of Oxford are launching a crowdfunding campaign through Art Fund's Art Happens platform in order to support a future exhibition about the life of the city's pubs and breweries. What better way to tell the story of Oxford residents than through their favourite haunts and watering holes? Fittingly, the launch party will be a jam-packed afternoon of pub-themed activities for all the family. Those into arts and crafts can create their own pub signs and coasters, while there will also be a chance to have a go at some classic pub games, such as quoits, Shut the Box and Cornhole. The movable museum will also be around with objects from the planned display exploring Oxford's rich history of taverns and taprooms.
Later on, museum trustee Bob Price will officially launch the Art Happens campaign, a platform which will offer exciting, exclusive rewards as a thank you for donating. Possible rewards include limited edition tote bags, exclusive prints, beer mats and artworks from local artists. The sought-after top reward will be a private pre-opening tour of the museum with the Museum Development Officer followed by a beer tasting with an expert.
To see out the evening, you can enjoy live music from Storyteller, a local band who weave together funk, rock and reggae for some dangerously danceable Friday night grooves. Italian street food maestros and Gloucester Green stalwarts Polentista will be on hand with arancini and polenta-based dishes. The launch is taking place down at Tap Social, a relatively recent entry into the annals of Oxford pub lore, so there'll be ample chance to sample some craft beers if all that history has got you rather thirsty. What's more, to complement the physical exhibits, the museum is collecting pub memories at a series of events, so keep an eye out for more news if you'd like to contribute.
