GRAFT Studios is set to open its doors next month, bringing a new creative space to one of the Isle of Wight town’s most distinctive historic buildings.
Located in the North Wing of The Old Town Hall on Grafton Street, the project will officially welcome the public for the first time during IW Open Studios, running from 15th May to 25th May.
The new venture aims to transform the former civic building into a hub for artists, makers and creatives, blending contemporary artistic practice with traditional and heritage crafts.
Organisers say the launch marks just the beginning of an evolving project, with a focus on building connections between people, place and creative practice in Sandown.
GRAFT Studios was founded by Emma Souter and Gareth Rees, who returned to the Isle of Wight last year with experience in art, heritage craft education and studio provision.
Gareth, Director of Training, has said:
“Providing opportunity is integral to our ambitions.
Article continues below this advertisement “We want to support people to explore interests, develop practical and creative skills, and build confidence and direction through real projects. We are now officially a Community Interest Company and have started our fundraising journey to develop resources, facilities and subsidised provision for the area.”
The studios are designed to offer an affordable and collaborative environment, supporting a wide range of disciplines from visual arts to endangered craft skills.
Emma, Creative Director, has said:
“Its an exciting time, we will develop into what those joining us help us to become.
“There are so many wonderful individuals, organisations and creatives working thoughtfully towards Sandown’s future, it’s really inspiring. Sandown has endured a sustained period of neglect, but the tide is turning here with all their hard work and vision.
“Artist studios are a proven catalyst contributing positive changes to areas that need it, so we are looking forward to becoming part of the community and providing a space for people to interact with creative inquiry and each other.”
Visitors will be able to explore the space, meet the founders and take part in a range of activities across 7 days of events.
Open studio sessions will take place from 10:30-16:30 on 15th-17th May and 22nd-25th May, offering a behind-the-scenes look at workspaces, tools and projects.
Drop-in activities, including story sharing and an art treasure hunt, will run from 11:00-16:00 on selected days between 16th-17th May and 23rd-25th May.
An opening celebration is also planned for 22nd May from 18:00-21:00, with a ribbon cutting and speeches scheduled for 19:45.
More information and tickets can be found here.
I wish this project all the luck and success in the world. Having said that, I have seen many heritage buildings saved and turned into ‘art spaces’ and ‘creative hubs’ on the mainland, only to run out of funding within five years and fall back into hard times and neglect. I would be interested in knowing how it will be funded because I hope that nobody is daft enough to believe that this will become self-funding.
They need to raise money selling souvenirs,
brochures and open a tea room and all the
proceeds can help fund the project and keep it
running.
God you are dull
Were you born a Numpty or did it come with age!
Once a Numpty always a Numpty
Bless you!
So you haven’t seen all the ones that have succeeded with a wide range of ideas and funding?
Yes, and I hope that this is one of those. I used to work with heritage buildings so I’ve seen both kinds. As I said, I wish them well. God knows, Sandown needs it.