More space for artists in the works
A Palmerston North gallery is making room for more creativity.
Snails Artist Run Space has seven spaces available for artists, but there is typically a lengthy waiting list of local artists eager for an affordable place to create in.
The gallery has decided to reconfigure its Taonui St premises to allow for five more artists and a central social space in the middle.
The build will cost $6500 and the gallery has $3000 saved up. It would seek help from the community for the balance, via a Pledgeme campaign.
Pledgeme offers rewards for donations, with $3500 of gifts to repay pledgers.
Prizes from paintings, books and records, vouchers, flowers and postcards are available.
Snails founder Kirsty Porter said the build needed to be done properly and with the appropriate safety features to keep artists and their belongings safe.
‘‘The reality is for this community, that we need more affordable spaces. We have this beautiful big space and it doesn’t need to be that big.’’
The hall-like room was also used for gigs, but bands found it uncomfortable as crowds stood back and the empty area dominated the room.
‘‘We can still fit 50 people in here [after the changes] and it’s a better use of the space.’’
She said the Palmerston North City Council supported the gallery and helped the venture remain affordable.
Resident artist Deano Shirriffs said the gallery couldn’t build the spaces quick enough for the demand and it would still be left with awaiting list.
It was now more important than ever for creative people to feel connected and express themselves in these strange times.