Gloucester Arts and Social Projects (GASP!) has launched Meanwhile in Gloucester, a year-long programme to transform vacant units into temporary galleries and studios featuring contemporary artwork.
The project is supported by an £84,300 grant from Arts Council England’s National Lottery Project Grant.
Hannah Thomson, co-founder and director of GASP!, said: “The feedback from previous GASP! events is clear.
“Gloucester residents and visitors want to see more contemporary art exhibitions in the city, and have more opportunities to take part in dynamic and locally relevant creative activities.
“Visitors were delighted to see the ambitious and creative use of empty shops that have long stood empty.”
Meanwhile in Gloucester is backed by research from the University of Gloucestershire, funded by the Arts Council, which highlights the potential of artistic use of vacant units to reinvigorate town centres.
The project is a collaboration with the University of Gloucestershire and Gloucester Culture Trust.
It is also supported by Gloucester City Council and Colliers UK.
It will complement the redevelopment of Eastgate Market and Greyfriar’s Quarter.
GASP! will set up a new gallery space and three artist studios in the Eastgate Shopping Centre.
The programme will conclude with a symposium at the University of Gloucestershire.
It will focus on sharing insights and discussing the challenges and opportunities of revitalising high streets through temporary cultural use.
The first exhibition, opening in March, will feature the work of photographer Kelly O’Brien at the GAWP! temporary gallery.
Phillipa Milne, relationship manager for Arts Council England, said: “We’re pleased to continue investing in GASP! and their work to platform artwork created by and for the local community.
“Gloucester is strategically important to us as an Arts Council Priority Place, and we recognise that cultural engagement has been too low for too long.
“These meanwhile spaces are one way of addressing that gap.”
The gallery and studios will be located at The Promenade, first floor, Eastgate Centre.
The project also receives support from the Gloucester Culture Trust and other local partners.
