Call for tradesmen to donate their time and materials to new Doncaster art gallery

Chinwe Russell, aged 49, from Town Moor is a painter who wants to transform an unused unit inside the Waterdale Shopping Centre into a modern space to sell art from 31 local artists.

She said: “We need to bring tradespeople together in the style of DIY SOS - we really want tradesmen who are happy to help us to get in touch.

“We need painters, plasterers, someone who can do the ceiling, an electrician and someone to help do up the front of the shop.

“The artists will do the rest but we want to get the unit in working order by April.”

Chinwe says this is to coincide with the other opening developments in the Waterdale area such as the new museum and cinema.

“Art is the bedrock of a thriving economy - everyone benefits if people visit the town to see the artwork,” she continued.

“Tourists need a place to sleep, eat, drink and this gallery is just the start.

“We want to have five galleries like this one in the next 10 years.”

Chinwe hopes that projects like these will lead to a Doncaster Art Walk which will be made up of art all over the town centre.

The new gallery will be run by the artists who are selling their work there - each will work there two days a month.

They will also pay a monthly fee to cover rent and utility costs.

Chinwe said: “When the gallery is open we want to have internships there and use it for a resource for school children.

“Since I moved here two and a half years ago I have felt the need to make things happen in the art community.

“Doncaster is a blank canvas and I can see so many opportunities here.”

If you’re a tradesperson who can donate their time to this project then call Chinwe on 07572668922 or email [email protected]