The wider purpose of the project is to promote the economic well-being of Chester by making it a more attractive and interesting place to work in and to visit.
We now have 2 PLACES, on 4 Bridge street and 47 Northgate street!
We’ve got 6 local artists on board at PLACE 1 including Brigitte Watkinson, Bryn Sutcliffe, James Jolley, Liz Taylor, Sue Walsh and Anastasia Tilston.
At PLACE 2 we’ve got Sue Farrington, Denise Dooley, Mark Edmonds, Liz Webb, Gary Sheridan and Mary Pilkington.
More info with bios and pictures coming soon! In the meantime, pop in to see us:)
If you are an artist and are interested in the possibility of taking over yet another empty shop (and the idea is to have many!), send us your info via the form above or via email to placeforartinchester@gmail.com . Your information will then be processed and stored and we will add you to our waiting list. Once another shop becomes available the board of directors will go through the suggested teams of artists and a new gallery will be formed. Everything usually happens very spontaneously, so be prepared to move in quickly if the opportunity becomes available. We also have to move out with a 2 weeks notice if the landlords want us out, so we must be prepared and expect the unexpected.
Also, please keep in mind that you can’t just bring us your work to sell in the existing shops, the artists have to be involved in staffing the PLACES 🙂
The ‘rent’ you pay is £12 per week and the commission on sales is 20%.
PACh is a Community Interest Company that negotiates with landlords to secure suitable spaces and maintain a register of artists and art groups with an interest in using those spaces. Landlords are generally expected to agree short term zero rent leases in return for their premises being well looked after and available for re-letting with the minimum of notice.
A channel will be established that publicises events through a ‘what’s on in Chester’ facility and publicity material will be circulated through existing businesses and with the help of BID and the local authority. Effective marketing strategies are being developed and implemented to ensure that a constant ‘buzz’ is created about all the exciting things that are happening, so both citizens and visitors are always kept up to date.
The project is funded through commissions charged to artists for sales or fees from performances and classes. The project managed by Chester Art Centre as the contractor. Donations are welcome as well as mutually beneficial collaborations with local businesses and entrepreneurs. Do not hesitate to get in touch via the form above if you have questions or would like to collaborate!