‘Let us take up your wasted space in the town with art’

With a number of empty shops on our high street, artists have questioned if improving the town’s art scene would boost the area’s fortunes. In an attempt to provide more opportunities for younger people, a group of independent creators are calling for greater support from the local authorities. Abstract artist, Joey Lowe, believes Spalding lacks facilities for creative individuals and wants to see empty buildings revived to create a dedicated hub for like-minded people.

His calls come after two successful exhibitions, which collectively welcomed at least 800 visitors, at The Sessions House , where owners provided the space free of charge. Joey, who has been fighting for a dedicated space for artists over the last five years, has made it clear to South Holland District Council that he would be willing to organise art events for the town. He said: “There are lots of empty shops in Spalding and the council does have the power to allow someone, like myself, to use the space – I don’t see how that would hinder them.



“We need an art hub like in Sleaford and Stamford - there is no reason why our town wouldn’t benefit from one and I don’t see why it couldn’t be a thing. “I’m saying I’ll do it, but I need that support and help from the authorities. “I don’t have the financial backing because I am an independent artist but if there was an allocated community hub in this town, I'm 100% sure I could fill it with local artists work every single month.

“The town has some issues and it’s little thing which will change it - there are people who are willing to do it but we need someone to say, here is a space to get on with it.” Joey has contacted Coun Gary Taylor with his concerns, who said it would be brought up in a future meeting while the assistant director for Leisure and Culture, Phil Perry, did not responded to his inquiries. But Joey is is not the only artist who feels that way.

Chloe White, 26, of Spalding, has had a passion for art from a young age and now attracts orders from across the globe with her pet portraits and landscapes. After growing up in the area, Chloe has first hand experience of what it's like to be an artist in the community and would like to see a positive change – with her daughters future in mind too. Chloe said: “There is nothing here.

I can’t think of anywhere for people to visit to view local art of different varieties. “I think if there was a dedicated space it would be really beneficial for all ages - for young children, students, families - it would be very educational. “Looking for inspiration when I was a student was hard.

Even trying to find artwork to furnish your home or for those who want to become a collector is difficult. “If you are unable to travel to big cities where there is a gallery, it’s really hard to get your hands on good art. “The only thing which could come from taking up an empty shop and using it as a gallery or to host art events would be positive.

The council needs to let us take up their wasted space.” Chloe’s daughter, Parker, who attends pre-school, enjoys painting alongside her mum. The lack of art facilities in town is a cause for concern for Chloe but she hopes her passion will prove to her daughter, that she can be whatever she wants to be when she grows up.

She added: “My daughter came to the exhibition at The Sessions House and it was really fun for her to watch me work. “At the minute she sees my work as me just sitting at home by myself painting and creating - she might view it as quite an isolating job, but it isn't because there is a huge community which she was able to see at the exhibition. “Without events like that, she probably wouldn’t have the same view on the profession.

“It's very rare that you meet someone who is pursuing a career in something they dreamed of doing as a child and it's great because I can teach my daughter that you can be whatever you want to be when you grow up – it seemed so out of reach when I was a child.” A Holbeach -based artist who pursued his passion from the age of five, believes the area’s art scene has improved over the years but says it does get overlooked by authorities. Gareth Dickin, 46, learnt all of his skills and knowledge from his grandfather.

He said: “I would go picking stones out of the quarry and painted them with acrylic paints. “From then I never stopped and I have always been doing something arty. “The Spalding exhibition was absolutely fantastic – there was a real lively buzz in the place and it was a great opportunity to meet other artists all together from the same area to discuss art.

“The art scene in the area is much better than it was, especially with these sorts of events being held, but the art scene overall is difficult across the country – it’s not the council’s priority and I know it gets overlooked. “I’ve suggested with so many shops being closed in Spalding, that we should try and brighten up the windows with art and make the place look a little nicer.” South Holland District Council was also contacted by LincsOnline for a comment.

What do you think? Should empty shops in town be given over to artists? Post your thoughts in the comments below...

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