Is there a need for a dedicated Arts Centre for Weymouth & Portland and an Artist Organisation?

[Andy Sherlock]

I'm just trying to gauge the response for the need for a dedicated arts centre in Weymouth/Portland.

So, is there a need for an Arts Centre?

Also is there a need for a constituted arts organisation that could represent local artists, which could, for example :-

• Strengthening the local artist community through effective networking.
• Promotion of young and emerging artists and their work.
• Promotion of local established artists and their work.
• Contribute to the development of, or have a presence at, local art based events and other cultural activities.
• Develop artist led cultural activities for the benefit of the local community.
• Develop working relations with other artist led organisations.
• Champion the arts for the benefit of the local community.
• Make representation to, and influence, local decision makers on cultural issues for the benefit of local artists and the community e.g. B-Side, Weymouth & Portland Partnership, Regional Development Agency.
• Help to secure funding and/or commissions for local artists and other cultural activities.
• Disseminate information on local cultural activities and opportunities.

Are you interested in setting up such an organisation?

Be interested in hearing people thoughts.

Cheers

Andy

[Sophie Sherwood]

I'd like to help out with this sort of thing, but I don't know what I could do to help.

[Sarah Butterworth]

Yes I do think something like this will help. But - on a personal basis - I was sadened by the last attempt to set up WAN. I put a lot of effort in, as did about 3 other people, but a very small (and immmature and nasty) conflict put an end to this effort, and more significant was the total absence of people coming back to say they still wanted WAN, enough to keep it going. I need to know there is a real desire for such an organisation from much more people before I get involved again.
Sarah

[Andy Sherlock]

Yup i agree, but we must move forward and put all that in the past. I have a feeling that unless we do something, and soon, we will miss out on a lot of opportunities that are underdevelopment from the likes of B-Side, Weymouth & Portland Partnership, Regional Development Agency, Arts Council and LOCOG. The time to act is now, if we don’t then an organisation from outside the borough will step in, its that simple.

[Sarah Butterworth]

I agree, it would be good to put it behind us. Come on you artists out there! And you dont have to be a practicing artist, actor os musician to get involved - people experienced or interested in arts management, promotion, audience development and so on are just as much needed, maybe even more!

[jane sherwood]

hi andy, glad to see that someone is taking this on - good for you. I say yes to all the above and would love to be involved. i'll be watching out for further postings.
jane

[Joe Stevens]

I agree it would be excellent for a decent cultural centre in the town. I would gladly help where I can. Only trouble for me is that I'm not sure at the moment where I would find any time, but I'd help where I can.

But I thought Weymouth College had taken over the running of Weymouth Arts centre and are planning on doing something with this?
- does any one know what their plans are?

[Andy Sherlock]

Yes Weymouth College has taken over the top floor of the building which was formerly the Arts Centre, Sure Start have the ground floor.
The top floor is split into three, a café, a computer room and another room. The room was used to house 3 sheds on the opening night of B-Side. So far I'm not aware of any program of art events happening in this space. It has limited potential due to its size.

[DazzWest]

Yes, a 'proper' arts centre would be a fitting legacy for Weymouth resulting from the Cultural Olympiad.

Yes, there probably is a need for an organisation to represent the interests of 'all' artists in the area.

Yes, I am willing to help out where possible, as long as it was all properly constituted and above board.

[gary jones]

YES we do need a dedicated art centre rather than the current joke, and it would be a great legacy project..

As ever YES we need an umbrella organisation and I am interested in helping set it up

As Andy says, we need to act rather than discuss

[Joe Stevens]

I feel the same that Weymouth could do with a better space then the current art centre space & it "would be a fitting legacy for Weymouth resulting from the Cultural Olympiad". But if one does exist that does not get utilised at all, will any funders agree to another Arts Centre (as I presume we are not talking about paying for this out of our own pockets).

not to say that this idea is not worth exploring further ...

[adam grose]

Weymouth could do with a decent arts centre! It would also be a place to show work, run workshops for art groups and also for art tutors who need to learn new skills as part of professional development - in fact, all of us artists could probably do with some development in one area or another, sharing ideas and skills in a more ordered fashion. How many of us spend time in our studios working away without seeing other artists? I know I do and no matter how much I like being in my cave of art, sometimes it's good to meet up with other like minded individuals ;)

[Julie McCabe]

Definately we need a true arts centre and I agree with all the above. I'd love to contribute but not sure what's involved.
I've just started my dissertation at uni so am a bit bogged down with study at present, but am happy to dedicate what time I can.
Will look out for more news.