Gallery ambition secures support

A Monet exhibition proved highly successful in Kirkcudbright

Funding has been promised to help drive forward ambitious plans for a permanent art gallery in Kirkcudbright.

Despite hosting a series of high-profile exhibitions - including a Monet collection in 2005 - the town lacks a proper home for the arts.

Dumfries and Galloway Council has now agreed to provide £25,000 a year to support future exhibitions.

Chief executive Phil Jones said the funding would help build toward the ultimate aim of a permanent gallery.

Thousands of people have been drawn to the town in recent years for a variety of exhibitions organised by the Kirkcudbright 2000 group.

It gives that degree of certainty to the programme of art exhibition and activity in that area Phil Jones Chief executive

The group's long-term aim is to see an art gallery of national significance established in the town to reflect its unique artistic heritage.

In the early 20th Century the town and surrounding countryside were home to Edward Hornel, Jessie M King and Charles Oppenheimer.

Mr Jones said there were a number of steps needed to achieve a major arts centre in the Stewartry town.

Development process

"To have an ambition for a permanent gallery and permanent exhibition is one thing," he said.

"But to be able to realise that obviously takes finance, commitment and then the process of development."

The chief executive said the investment gave the chance to take those plans forward.

"It gives that degree of certainty to the programme of art exhibition and activity in that area," he said.

"That will be the platform against which we can develop the whole thing."