About the arts organisation ‘a space’
The arts organisation a space supports emerging artistic talent and enables the development of sustainable careers within the arts. We endeavour to build the reputations of early career artists through encouraging the creation and exhibition of new works. Our exhibitions also supply the public with an alternative visual arts programme, not dominated by established names. The organisation delivers its objectives through a growing infrastructure, which currently consists of three major project platforms: the Bargate Monument Gallery, ArtVaults and the Arches studio complex
History
In July 2000 the organisation’s founding members became frustrated with the limited opportunities emerging artists had in Southampton and set about laying the foundations to an organisation that could bring about a lasting change.
Our first step in establishing an infrastructure was to initiate a gallery space. The Northam Rd gallery launched the arts organisation and opened its doors to the public on the 22nd of October 2002. Through this initial space we were able to test ideas and develop an identity. Over our time there, approximately two and a half years, 35 exhibitions were staged and the foundations laid upon which an organisation could be built.
We subsequently moved our main gallery and HQ from Northam Rd to the Bargate, a scheduled ancient monument, located in the centre of Southampton. The monument features as the Southampton City Council logo and is significantly prestigious building within the city. Through the new Bargate Monument Gallery we will be able to secure an integral element to the infrastructure we are building; a well-located gallery, exclusively exhibiting works by emerging visual artists. This move is of great importance to the organisation and enables us to effectively work on a regional platform.
Whilst a space is a young arts organisation we have added a new dimension to the cities cultural offer by stimulating interest and inclusion at a grass roots level.