Planning permission granted for art ‘hub’
ART FOR Guernsey’s vision of a local art ‘hub’ can come to fruition, now that planning permission has been granted for renovation work.
Highly-anticipated since AFG moved into its Mansell Street home in December, the six-month project will begin in a few weeks, after contracts have been finalised.
A virtual reality area, and a strongroom to house valuable artworks, will be part of the plans, as well as an art cafe, art library, and plenty of workshop space.
Art for Guernsey founder David Ummels said securing planning permission for the £350,000 fit-out had been a ‘seamless’ process.
‘We have secured building and planning permission which is a big milestone,’ he said.
‘We would like to share our enthusiasm and tell the community.’
Islanders of all ages will be encouraged to use the creative space, and visiting artists will be able to showcase their work too.
An academy for young artists is also in the pipeline, and Mr Ummels said it was important to give young people a space to explore art.
‘This will be their home for creativity,’ he added.
‘We will offer community events where we can – it’s in our DNA.’
Cultural exchange opportunities are hoped to be offered, and the 2023 Renoir exhibition expects to draw visitors to Guernsey.
Since joining forces with AFG in January, Arts for Impact will also be reaping the benefits of the new workshop spaces.
‘A lot of our attendees are retired and were never encouraged to do art at school. They are getting a taste of art school with our work and are really developing their talent,’ said Helen Bonner-Morgan, AFG director and AFI team member.
‘It will be a phenomenal thing for them and will inspire others around them and generations below them.’
She said the new space would enable art to continue improving lives.
‘There are so many case studies of individuals who had lost their way in post-working life and found art, friendship, and purpose,’ she added.
‘They are hungry for cultural engagement.
‘It’s given their life a whole new facet and the friendships are lovely – it’s a virtuous circle.’
Fellow AFI team member Olympia McEwan runs a group and has seen the affect of art.
‘Most important is a sense of community,’ she said.
‘I have never experienced anything quite like it and it has changed my life as an art teacher.’
Meriel Lenfestey, AFG director and former AFI chairwoman, said the gallery would be an inclusive, centralised hub for all the work in art going on around the island.
‘Art for Guernsey is about art for everybody,’ she said.
