Portland factory now arts centre

An old factory building on Portland is set for a new life as an arts centre.

A red brick building in Fortuneswell which started life as a Victorian steam laundry is to become a base for up to 36 artists.

It will also feature gallery space for exhibitions, events and teaching sessions.

The centre has been set up by portrait artist Katherine Bryan-Merret, 24, and photographer Samantha Polley, 37, both from Fortuneswell.

It is hoped the Portland Arts Centre will "bring the arts community together"

"Focal point"

The pair only met last year, when Katherine needed someone to take photographs of her work and Samantha was a looking for studio space.

They got talking about the lack of a "focal point" for artists working on the island, and that is where the idea of creating an arts centre came from.

Katherine and Samantha heard about the Old Laundry in Brymers Avenue standing empty.

Samantha, who also works as a teaching assistant at Southwell Primary School said: "We got in touch with the owners, had a look round the building, and decided we were going to go for it."

Katherine added: "The arts centre and studios will help to bring the arts' community together, giving them the right sort of space to work in and help to get their work noticed.

"We're liaising with the tourist board and with other galleries to publicise the centre, and we hope to team up with local hotels and B&Bs to offer holiday packages which include drawing, painting and other activities."

Samantha and Katherine have even called Damien Hirst for help

Fundraising

Portland Arts Centre is set to open on January 1 2010, but co-directors Katherine and Samantha still need to raise £13,000 to get the project started.

They are organising an exhibition at the centre in December to help raise the money they need, and are appealing for other artists to get involved by entering their work.

All of the money from work sold by Katherine and Samantha will go to the project, and other artists will be asked to donate 40% of what they receive from sales.

Samantha said: "We're hoping we might get someone with a really big name involved.

"Damien Hirst's office said no, unfortunately, I've even contacted Lord Bath and Prince Charles, but you never know what might happen!

"We have been overwhelmed with the amount of support we have received from the local community, and a number of artists have already expressed an interest in taking studio space."

"Exciting project"

Creative Dorset, which develops and promotes creative businesses in the county, is backing the scheme.

Director Dominic Tambling said: "The creative industries are very important to the economy of Portland and Dorset, and this is an exciting project.

"We're very happy to be supporting it."

Artists who want to find out more about working space at the centre will be able to look around the building during open days from November 6 to 9.

The fundraising show will run from December 6 to 19 and artists wishing to enter work for the event are asked to make contact before November 13.

For more information visit:

Portland Arts Centre