Team of artists to create new gallery in Doncaster

A team of 31 artists are appealing for support and donations to help bring their vision of creating a commercially run art gallery in Doncaster to life.
By Kate Mason
Published 4th Mar 2020, 06:00 BST
Updated 4th Mar 2020, 09:26 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The artists have already found a unit in Waterdale in need of renovation for the new professionally run commercial art gallery.

The team are now crowdfunding and looking for a construction company which can sponsor the renovation so the transformation can begin.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Chinwe Russell, project leader, said: “Arts and culture is the building block of many thriving towns around the world.

Richard Appleby, Terry Chipp, Marcia White, Maia Weerdmeester, Tracey Moore, Chinwe Russell and Becky Rydel, pictured outside the unit at Waterdale which artists are crowdfunding to refurbish so it can be converted it into a commercial Art Gallery. Picture: NDFP-03-03-20-ArtGalleryProject 1-NMSYRichard Appleby, Terry Chipp, Marcia White, Maia Weerdmeester, Tracey Moore, Chinwe Russell and Becky Rydel, pictured outside the unit at Waterdale which artists are crowdfunding to refurbish so it can be converted it into a commercial Art Gallery. Picture: NDFP-03-03-20-ArtGalleryProject 1-NMSY
Richard Appleby, Terry Chipp, Marcia White, Maia Weerdmeester, Tracey Moore, Chinwe Russell and Becky Rydel, pictured outside the unit at Waterdale which artists are crowdfunding to refurbish so it can be converted it into a commercial Art Gallery. Picture: NDFP-03-03-20-ArtGalleryProject 1-NMSY

“In Doncaster today, there are hundreds of talented artists who have nowhere to show their talent and showcase their work on a regular basis.

“We desperately need a gallery space with can inspire future generations of great artists, give opportunities to young people, as well as provide the new art graduates with a pathway to a career.

“This will provide Doncaster residents somewhere interesting to go to in the town and would be a huge educational resource for schools and young people. It will inspire everyone.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The team is currently meeting with a local building firm to assess the scale of the work and tourist organisations in Doncaster to help support the project.

Chinwe said: “I want to say thank you to every artist who came to listen to my presentation. I have since received a lot of interest from many local and regional artists who want to participate in the project. This is very encouraging and demonstrates that we do indeed need this in our community.

“I have also had some offers of free gallery hanging equipment which I am exploring. Some artists who have gallery and management experience have offered their expertise and I am very happy to accept this.”

The long-term vision for the project is to open five art galleries in Doncaster over a 10-year period.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Chinwe said: “This will enable us to create a Doncaster art walk/trail, similar to which you find in other towns.

“This I believe could become a major tourist attraction for our town. We just need your help to renovate the unit.”

See www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/waterdaledoncasterartgalleryappeal

Related topics:DoncasterArts