A new gallery space curated by National portfolio organisation aspex is opening at the heart of Portsmouth Guildhall as two of the city's key cultural destinations join forces to offer thousands more people every year the opportunity to experience exciting contemporary visual art.
A new gallery space curated by National portfolio organisation aspex is opening at the heart of Portsmouth Guildhall as two of the city's key cultural destinations join forces to offer thousands more people every year the opportunity to experience exciting contemporary visual art.
aspex guildhall will show some of the very best work from emerging artists based in the south of England, with up to six different exhibitions a year. The first exhibition All That Other Mother Jazz will open on 18 June and will feature Southampton-based illustrator Jonny Hannah's unique paintings and illustrations.
Jonny Hannah's work has been much in demand with pieces appearing in Vogue, The New York Times and on many book jackets whilst his linocuts, screenprints and paintings have also established a strong following.
Joanne Bushnell, Director of aspex, said: 'We are really excited about collaborating with Portsmouth Cultural Trust, which gives us the opportunity to reach more visitors with a gallery space right in the centre of Portsmouth. We are planning a diverse exhibitions programme, blending some of the very best artists we have showing at aspex along with specially curated exhibitions specifically for the Guildhall.'
aspex has a 33-year track record of supporting emerging artists and engaging audiences through the delivery of a programme of exhibitions, off-site projects and participatory opportunities. Since relocating to the waterfront at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth in 2006, the gallery has focused on audience development, and in particular finding ways to meaningfully engage its visitors with artists and the creative process.
Portsmouth Guildhall is managed by Portsmouth Cultural Trust and provides music and entertainment across the spectrum, with household names, world musicians and classical virtuosos all featuring on the programme.
Andy Grays, Chief Executive at Portsmouth Cultural Trust, said: 'At the Cultural Trust we want to collaborate with arts organisations who offer us something special and I believe this new partnership will bring a marvellous new gallery to the heart of the city of Portsmouth. It adds a new dimension to the Guildhall and we hope the public will respond by visiting us.'
The exhibition opening marks the launch of this year's Portsmouth Festivities. Now in its 15th year, the Festivities has developed a national reputation for providing high quality events with professional artists working in the city's unique venues, capturing imaginations, celebrating diversity and exploring Portsmouth's amazing heritage.
For Portsmouth Festivities 2014, a special commission will bring to life the real-life stories of the people of Portsmouth in the summer of 1914 when the city was preparing for war. Internationally acclaimed video-performance art collective Wilson-Eflerova have been exploring true stories from the eve of the Great War to create an extraordinary visual tapestry called Faces.
The commission was supported by a National Lottery funded Grants for the arts award of £14,895 by Arts Council England.
Faces will premiere in a free performance in the Starboard Arena at Portsmouth Historic Dockyards on Friday 20 June. There is limited capacity so a ticket is required.
You can find out more information about Grants for the arts and the projects we support at: http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/funding/apply-funding/apply-for-funding/grants-for-the-arts/