New arts centre is a triumph beyond all expectations

Yesterday evening in addition to the preview at the Sub Rooms which launched the annual Site 07 festival - see previous blog - I was also invited to the opening of the new £1.2 million arts centre in Stroud.

Photos: opening in courtyard, stairs and textile studio

The refurbished Stroud Valleys Artspace (SVA), in John Street, will be the focal point for the festival which features the work of 250 local, national and international artists. For a month there will be events and exhibitions, as well as the popular Open Studios, in which more than 80 artists welcome visitors to their workplaces.

Photo: me at the studios

I had seen the new building a wee while ago but now it is full of the artists - the semi-derelict drafty old mill has been transformed by nationally renowned and award-winning Tony Fretton Architects - the very wonderful thing is that they have as one artist I spoke to yesterday said, "released the potential of the building" - somehow they have retained the wonderful quality of the old mill with its wooden floors and uneven brick work - yet it is now a great light modern warm space - makes me want to be an artist....

Photos: art in the loo and art on the stairs

Anyhow a ribbon was cut, there was a dancer dressed in a costume made of shattered glass, Mayor John Marjoram made a speech as did Nick Capaldi, executive director of Arts Council South West. There was also wine, nibbles and some great music.

I have to say if blog readers hadn't gathered already this building really is a triumph - and a tribute to the many dedicated individuals who have laboured long and hard over many years to bring this remarkable project to fruition.

"Stroud already enjoys an enviable reputation for the quality and range of artists living and working locally. This new centre brings added impetus to the growth of this reputation."
Nick Capaldi

Photo: Work left by Clare Hudson and right by Alison Cockcroft

Stars Neil Walker and Jo Leahy, of SVA, secured funding for the refurbishment from a variety of sources, including a £665,000 grant from Arts Council England. Fundraising is still under way for the final £400,000 required to complete the refurbishment.

The Site 07 arts festival runs from today until June 30. The Open Studios will be held on Saturday, June 9, and Sunday, June 10, and on June 16 and 17. For more information visit www.sva.org.uk