PORTSMOUTH ARTIST STUDIOS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

The Art Space Portsmouth Open Weekend is a once-a-year opportunity to discover life behind the scenes at Portsmouth’s iconic studio space. Discover how the Art Space Portsmouth building (a former Church just off of Elm Grove, Southsea) is now home to over 30 artistsʼ studios, a creative garden and gallery space.

Established over 30 years ago, Art Space has become a dynamic hub of contemporary artistic practice. The doors to Art Space will be open on the last weekend in June and is a unique opportunity to see where art is made. Art Space Studio and Programme Manager, Letty Clarke says, “When artists open their doors itʼs incredibly special and exciting. We guarantee you will be surprised and meet artists whose work youʼve never seen before.” Indeed, Art Space is home to painters, print makers, photographers, sculptors, film makers, ceramicists, jewellers, sound and digital artists and much more.

There will also be the launch of the new John Mynott Artistsʼ Resource Library,  a new resource designed to support artists as they continue to learn and develop new work. The library began with when the incredibly talented artist John Mynott bequeathed his library of books to Art Space Portsmouth. John was an Art Space Member for over 30 years, his work was exhibited internationally as well as locally, as in his 2013 solo exhibition at Aspex, and several pieces of his work have now been collected as part of the cityʼ s Fine Art Collection. Art Space Studio and Programme Manager, Letty Clarke says, “We are really excited to house the John Mynott Resources Library here, we hope many artists will use these books and gain a lot from them.”

For budding art collectors and those keen to support the arts, the Open Weekend is also an opportunity to purchase artworks directly from artists at studio prices. New and exciting artworks will be on display throughout the building and in the Gallery, which can be viewed whilst you enjoy some tasty refreshments. There will also be a chance to win an artwork to take home, in the Art Space Raffle.

When artists open their doors itʼs incredibly special and exciting. We guarantee you will be surprised…

About Art Space Portsmouth

Art Space Portsmouth is committed to supporting and encouraging the practices of visual artists at every stage of their careers in the development of new work through the provision of 31 affordable studio spaces. Art Space Portsmouth also aims to be culturally engaging with the wider community of Portsmouth through programmes and partnerships.

Art Space Portsmouth is a registered charity committed to reaching these aims and contributing to the cultural ecology of Portsmouth and the surrounding regions.

Impact on Artists

Art Space Portsmouth’s artist members have received prominent international exposure in the last year, working with organisations such as Venice Biennale, Houses of Parliament and well-regarded art institutions such as MIMA in Middlesbrough. Their local impact includes working with Aspex Gallery, New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth Guildhall and Solent Showcase, Southampton.

“Without Art Space Portsmouth I wouldnʼt be able to afford a studio; I feel a space away from the home is essential to develop my practice and become a solid professional artist. In addition, being part of a community of artists greatly enhances growth, collaboration and partnership.” –  Art Space Member

Information about Visiting Art Space Open Studios:

The artistsʼ studios will be open to the public from 1.00pm to 5:00pm on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th June 2016 . Brougham Road is a 5-minute walk from the main bus routes that run via Winston Churchill Avenue in central Portsmouth and Elm Grove in Southsea; and a 10 minute walk from Portsmouth and Southsea train station. Free parking is available in and round Brougham Road for up to 3 hours.

Admission is free. Please note an adult must accompany all children during the event. For any more Press Information please contact Letty Clarke via email at info@artspace.co.uk or call 023 9287 4523.