Two of Portsmouth’s most prolific and respected creatives, Fark (Mark Jones) and Pompey Banana Club (George Bodkin) have launched an exciting and much-needed project, The Corner Collective. The objective is to establish an affordable studio environment for artists, in both the traditional and digital medium, situated in the heart of Southsea.

This space would include a gallery and shop with the opportunity for the public to purchase art directly from the artists in residence alongside other creative work from local/national and international artists that The Corner Collective will bring to Southsea.

Fark has been painting the streets for the last twenty years both here in the U.K. and internationally alongside many years of experience in retail and store design. Fark said, “We believe a vibrant, communal, artist studio will build an innovative exchange between not only the artists but also within the local community with the possibility of regular workshops, gallery events and private art viewing.”

George is a freelance graphic designer who has been working with household and global brands for the past 10 years on a daily basis with an extensive background in marketing and promotion.

George explained to me that, they will fully refurbish the inside of the building into a free-flowing workspace for artists as well as the gallery and shop which will be open to all. The floor space will be divided into 3 sections.

– The first section will be a contemporary gallery showcasing the work of the artists in the Corner Collective together with other local and international artists. A variety of merchandise including apparel, limited editions and one-off art from artists will be available to purchase.

– The second section, “The Studio”, is flexible and can accommodate a variety of artistic disciplines. The artists will be able to work freely and uninterrupted whilst having an on-site gallery and retail outlet in which to then showcase their work.

– The third area will be dedicated to a Digital workspace. A space for a digital business such as web development, graphic designers or UX designers.

The exterior will also be completely transformed, repainted and branded adding colour and vibrancy to Albert Road. This will include a large mural wall which local artists will be invited to design and paint.

George added.”At the Corner Collective we believe it’s important to infuse our urban spaces with engaging visual art that is inclusive of everyone. Our overall aim is to provide a vibrant shared local artist space with studio, gallery and retail outlet at affordable rates. We hope to build a creative rapport with the local community by providing a diverse artistic showcase for local talent.

Premises in questions is 150-152 Albert Road Southsea, opposite the Bold Forester pub: formally known as Zensation.

If they are successful in our bid for crowdfunding we intend to be operational by the end of January 2021. This is a great project and as I said, one which is very much needed. Considering Portsmouth is such a creative city, opportunities to display art is quite limited. At the time of writing, they are currently 72% of the way to completing their target of £10,000 to turn their dream into reality.  Find out more at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-corner-collective.

Website: crowdfunder.co.uk/the-corner-collective
Facebook: facebook.com/thecornercollectivesouthsea
Instagram: instagram.com/the.corner.collective