Team behind art hub idea put proposal before States
FINAL proposals have been put before the States steering group in the hope of turning the information centre in Town into an iconic arts venue.
A team of nine have put together a detailed pack of what the venue would be used for and how Guernsey could benefit, both economically and socially.
‘We have 140 endorsements from well-respected parties who support our proposal and see a demand for an iconic arts venue,’ said art collector and founder of Art for Guernsey, David Ummels.
‘The list includes teachers, local artists, hoteliers, business owners, entrepreneurs and so many others, but excludes politicians and civil servants so as not to put the steering group in a compromising position.’
The team will be interviewed by the States steering group on 25 March, along with the other two shortlisted ideas for the site which propose to turn it into a boutique hotel or casino and cabaret.
After that, a decision will be made as to what the seafront site will be developed as.
Mr Ummels said: ‘We have identified significant opportunity for this building to become an art hub for the island.
‘It would be a space for exhibitions, learning, inspiration, innovation, a space to display international art pieces, to host events or functions and create a central location for art in Guernsey.’
Part of the team behind the vision is event producer and digital media expert Jock Pettitt.
‘The skill density we have in Guernsey in sectors like sport and finance is something to be really proud of.
‘I believe we are capable of matching or exceeding that in the arts.’
He said a central arts venue which could be the base for bespoke performances, galleries or teaching is much more than what is in the four walls of the building.
‘There is so much potential, limited only by imagination. People would travel from all over which in turn would benefit other businesses such as restaurants, hotels, Beau Sejour, museums, The Aquarium and other performance locations.’
