Private members’ club in area unveils programme for artists

The Rising Creatives programme from The Good Times House, located in Cheltenham’s Imperial Square, will highlight emerging talent across contemporary art, music, fashion and film.

Events and initiatives planned in collaboration with other institutions include a Royal Academy-style exhibition open to GTH members and emerging and established artists, as well as opportunities for rising musicians to show their work to music professional Dickie Butcher and play at the GTH.

Dickie has been in the music industry for over three decades and has worked with names including Idris Elba, Gregory Porter, Norman Jay and Craig Charles.

Also planned with other institutions are monthly supper clubs in partnership with local galleries and artists, tailored membership packages and inclusion of local artist exhibitions as part of a broader arts programme.

Rising Creatives aims to elevate local talent by providing high-profile spotlight and networking opportunities close by and globally.

“The events programme will bring people together around key moments in the international arts and culture calendar, from the Frieze art fair and Cannes Film Festival to private trips and experiences designed exclusively for GTH members,” said David Johnson, art curator for the GTH.

“However, creating a strong sense of place by championing and exhibiting the work of local artists will be central to each GTH location present and future.”

The GTH opened officially in March with the aim of bringing people together, bound by a common love of art, and has already established strong links with artists and musicians in the South West, West of England and the Cotswolds.

Located in a Georgian townhouse, it provides immersive cultural events and experiences, as well as encouraging greater ambition among rising creatives through positive connections.

Included in the GTH offering is a fine-dining tapas menu curated by an award-winning chef, plus artwork over its four floors.

Examples of recent events, meanwhile, are an evening dedicated to generative digital art and the work of emerging generative artist Fingacode, plus the launch of the Kilvington Classic Range Rover.

The longer-term ambition is for the GTH to expand internationally and create a global community of likeminded members.

“My vision for the GTH is to create a vibrant place for movers and shakers and emerging talent – one that cocreates, pushes boundaries and makes great things happen,” said Ricardo Fearon, GTH founder (who is also patron of the Cheltenham Festival).

“It is important to me to bring people together using art forms and cultural experiences so that lives are enriched by intimacy, connection and conversation.”