Whose Art and Who Pays?

This article is 19 years old

News

Published on 14 February 2005
Archived on 11 April 2005


Stratford on Avon District Council is currently facing dilemmas over The Gallery and asking whose art and who pays? The Gallery is a dedicated exhibition space located within the Stratford Visitor and Leisure Centre.

For nearly ten years, two talented and professional curators have made a valuable personal contribution, offering programmes of local and national significance within a not for profit, educational context. However, dwindling audience numbers and the cost implications of The Gallery mean priorities have to be set and a difficult choice made.

On the one hand, The Gallery space within the Leisure Centre does restrict the range of art that can be shown and Stratford audiences would seem to prefer a broader selection of exhibitions.

On the other, it may be that this is an opportunity for the Council to review and plan its longer term cultural leadership role. For example, to explore new options for visual art development beyond The Gallery, designed with greater benefits to the public and artists.

Current options being explored by the Council include:

  • Inviting proposals from third parties to operate the existing Gallery

  • Encouraging partnerships to consider a dedicated art space in a central location

  • Considering a programme of temporary and permanent outdoor public art projects

Expressions of interest in future developments at The Gallery may be directed to Paul Ogden, Head of Leisure and Economy at Stratford on Avon District Council on 01789 260611.


Contact details

Stratford-on-Avon District Council
Elizabeth House, Church Street,
Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire,
CV37 6HX
Tel: 01789 267575

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