Artists launch bid to save landmark studios

A crowdfunder to prevent a grade II-listed building that has housed art studios for the last 30 years from being put on the market and bring it into community ownership is set to launch.

The artists who rent spaces in Jamaica Street Studios near Stokes Croft now have a “once-in-a-lifetime” chance to buy the building from the current owners and secure its future as a community space.

To do this, they are aiming to raise £125,000 which, if successful, will unlock a £500,000 grant from the government which will go towards the purchase.

The campaign has won the backing from snooker world champion-turned-DJ Steve Davis, who now lives in Bristol and played at the venue’s annual open studios back in September.

Davis said: “These studios are vital – it is such a well-known hub of talent. Bristol has got to do everything it can to keep this space for artists to continue to make work and contribute to this incredible buzzing city I now call home.”

Studio manager Rosie Bowery said the aim of the crowdfunder, where donors can win bespoke rewards created by the artists, is “to champion the different practices and profiles of everyone in the studio.”

“This gives those who support the campaign an incredible opportunity to be part of securing a space essential for the artistic life of Bristol.”

The ground floor of Jamaica Street Studios is open as a creative space with artists studios occupying the upper three storeys

Jamaica Street Studios, which was set up in the mid-1990s, currently houses 35 artists whose work spans painting, film, sculpture, textiles, illustration and photography.

This includes mural-artist and illustrator Dave Bain, Dorcas Casey, who was part of Dismaland in 2015, Womad founder and filmaker Mark Kidel and Jessa Fairbrother, whose work features in the Hayward Touring show at Arnolfini.

The building is thought to have be originally built in 1905 and for many years was occupied by the Skinner Brothers’ carriage factory and paint shop.

Jamaica Street Studio’s crowdfunder will launch on Tuesday at 10am. For more information, visit www.jamaicastreetstudios.co.uk/crowdfunder

All photos: Jodie Welton

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