Aerial photograph of Barnard Castle
Price:£7.99
Innovative art gallery is ‘just weeks from grand opening’
Aug 3, 2010
THE team tasked with transforming Barnard Castle has announced that one of its biggest projects – which aims to unite artists across the dale – will be ready for business next month.
The Vision said the Nest art gallery, situated in the former Dorants garage in Newgate, will be opening its doors to both public and artists in August. As well as housing a range of traditional and contemporary artworks in the exhibition area, members of the Vision hope Nest will also become a centre for new technology and a hub for the dale’s creative community.
A spokesperson for the team said high-speed broadband was in place and specially equipped studios and hotdesk facilities (temporary spaces to work) have been built to encourage and support artists, artisans and digital and creative businesses.
Deborah Jenkins, chairwoman of the Vision, said: “This is an exciting time for Barnard Castle Vision with so many varied projects underway. Nest will support the creative community, many of whom work at home alone.
“It will provide a truly cost-effective service which not only puts our creative and artistic businesses in front of the buying public, but also brings the benefits of Digital City into Teesdale.
“We believe Nest will expand the potential for achievement of the area’s artistic, digital and creative businesses.”
Nest will also include open artist’s studios, where the public can watch artists at work, and a cafeteria.
The hotdesk area can cater for up to 12 artists to work at any one time – giving those who currently work from home the chance to relocate to a more vibrant working space with those in a similar industry.
And a satellite link with Middlesbrough’s Digital City – an award-winning centre for digital excellence – will enable those using the Nest to access training, networking and other resources currently unavailable to Teesdale’s rural arts’ community.
Filmmaker Alan Fentiman, who recently relocated to Barnard Castle, said: “As a locally-based digital artist, I am very excited about the opportunities which Nest presents.
“The hub idea is ideal for people like me who usually work on their own, offering a unique chance to work in a collaborative environment and tap into Digital City’s resources and training courses.
“The shared work areas and cafe will allow me bounce ideas off people and operate outside my house without the full expense of renting independent office premises. A brilliant initiative to bring local artists and creative’s together.”
Funding for the projects comes from Durham County Council, One North East and the North Pennines Dales Leader grant.