Studio Voltaire has announced it is to redevelop its current home in Clapham, south London, as part of a £2.3 million capital project.
The work will result in 42% more affordable studio space for artists, plus a new gallery, dedicated learning space, public garden, and café. And Studio Voltaire’s art and design shop House of Voltaire, which sells artworks, editions and products by leading contemporary artists and designers will have a dedicated onsite store for the first time.
The not for profit organisation says the work will help to address London’s shortage of affordable artist’s workspace, with the existing studio building being completely renovated to provide a range of studios to over 75 artists. There will also be two live-work units to house visiting artists and curators.
In addition, ten artists will be offered free studios as part of a new ‘Associates Programme’. Aimed at emerging artists with limited incomes, the programme will also offer professional development, mentoring, and support.
The new scheme will also safeguard and broaden the provision of workspace for artists with disabilities through Studio Voltaire’s partnership with ActionSpace, a leading disability arts organisation. ActionSpace will expand its current activities onsite by creating a new public-facing space and increase their studio provision by 300%.
Joe Scotland, director of Studio Voltaire, commented: “This project offers an unprecedented opportunity for Studio Voltaire to transform the ways in which we engage with our local and international audiences. The new design will unlock the full potential of our site, completely changing how you experience the building, which will become a more welcoming, porous and engaging public space.”
So far, the organisation has raised £1m towards the project, including a £500,000 grant from The Mayor of London’s Strategic Investment Fund, a £300,000 grant from Arts Council England’s Small Capital Fund, and donations from private individuals.
However, it still needs to raise the remaining £1.3m, and as such is launching a benefit auction next month of work by a number of high profile artists, including: Phyllida Barlow, Jeremy Deller, Nicole Eisenman, Antony Gormley, Anthea Hamilton, Jenny Holzer, Sanya Kantarovsky, Anish Kapoor and Ella Kruglyanskaya.
Barlow explained her reasons for taking part: “From my own experience, as an artist who has had the great benefit of exhibiting at Studio Voltaire, I can vouch for the exceptional support and visionary commitment of the organisation.
“I wholeheartedly and unreservedly support Studio Voltaire in its ambitions to develop its building and its unparalleled programmes which will greatly enhance its already acclaimed position as an art establishment of huge benefit to all who encounter it.”
During the redevelopment, Studio Voltaire will close its doors to the public for a period of twelve months from autumn 2019, during which time a year-long programme of offsite commissions, projects and events will be presented ahead of the newly renovated Studio Voltaire opening to the public in autumn 2020.
The benefit auction ‘Artists for Studio Voltaire’, runs 27 November–16 December 2018 at 9 Cork Street, Mayfair, London W1. For more information visit: www.studiovoltaire.org
Images:
1. Studio Voltaire
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